Proverbs 25:1

KJV

¶ These [are] also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

KJV (with Strong's)

These are also proverbs {H4912} of Solomon {H8010}, which the men {H582} of Hezekiah {H2396} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} copied out {H6275}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These also are proverbs of Shlomo; the men of Hizkiyah king of Y'hudah copied them out:

Berean Standard Bible

These are additional proverbs of Solomon, which were copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

American Standard Version

These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 25:1 serves as a crucial editorial superscription, introducing a distinct collection of Solomonic proverbs (chapters 25-29) that were compiled and transcribed centuries after King Solomon's original composition. This verse highlights the ongoing value and deliberate preservation of divine wisdom by righteous leadership, specifically under King Hezekiah of Judah, underscoring the collaborative effort between divine inspiration and human stewardship in the transmission of sacred texts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition within the Book of Proverbs. Chapters 1-24 largely comprise proverbs attributed directly to Solomon, often presented as instructional discourses from a father to a son. Proverbs 25:1 signals the beginning of a new section, explicitly stating that these subsequent proverbs, though originating with Solomon, were later "copied out" by others. This editorial note distinguishes this section from the preceding ones, indicating a later compilation and emphasizing the curated nature of the collection. It sets the stage for a series of pithy, often two-line, observations and comparisons that characterize the rest of the book, building upon the foundational wisdom themes established in earlier chapters, such as the fear of the Lord and the pursuit of knowledge, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon, renowned for his unparalleled wisdom and authorship of thousands of proverbs and songs ([1 Kings 4:32](/1_kings/4-32 "1 Kings 4:32 - Solomon's Wisdom and Works")), reigned in the 10th century BC. King Hezekiah, on the other hand, ruled Judah in the late 8th and early 7th centuries BC (circa 715-686 BC). This temporal gap of over 200 years underscores the enduring legacy of Solomon's wisdom. Hezekiah was a highly esteemed king, known for his fervent religious reforms, purging idolatry, restoring proper temple worship, and trusting in the Lord amidst Assyrian threats ([2 Kings 18:3-7](/2_kings/18-3-7 "2 Kings 18:3-7 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign")). His initiative to have "his men" (likely royal scribes, scholars, or a wisdom council) compile and preserve these proverbs reflects a broader cultural appreciation for wisdom literature and a commitment to spiritual renewal, mirroring the efforts of other Near Eastern monarchs who commissioned the collection of ancient texts. This act was part of a national revival, emphasizing the importance of divine instruction for national well-being.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 25:1 introduces several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Preservation and Transmission of Wisdom**, demonstrating that divinely inspired insights are not ephemeral but are carefully guarded and passed down through generations. The fact that Solomon's wisdom was still considered vital centuries later speaks to its timeless relevance and the divine providence in its survival. Secondly, it illustrates **Royal Patronage of Truth and Piety**. Hezekiah, as a righteous king, actively contributed to the spiritual heritage of his people by commissioning the collection of these proverbs, thereby promoting righteousness and the fear of the Lord throughout his kingdom. This exemplifies how godly leadership can foster an environment conducive to spiritual growth and the dissemination of divine truth. Lastly, the verse subtly points to **Human Agency in Divine Revelation**. While the proverbs are divinely inspired, their compilation and transcription involved diligent human effort, showcasing the partnership between God's revelation and humanity's responsibility in stewarding and understanding His word for the benefit of all, much like the scribal traditions mentioned in [Ezra 7:6](/ezra/7-6 "Ezra 7:6 - Ezra the Scribe").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **proverbs (Hebrew, _mâshâl'_):** From H4912, this term signifies a pithy maxim, often metaphorical in nature, encompassing adages, parables, and discourses. In Proverbs 25:1, it specifically refers to a collection of wise sayings, highlighting their concise, memorable, and instructive quality, designed to impart wisdom and moral guidance.
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼĕnôwsh'_):** From H582, this word denotes a mortal, a man in general, or collectively, people. In this context, "the men of Hezekiah" refers to his appointed officials, likely royal scribes or scholars, who were tasked with the intellectual and literary work of compiling and transcribing these proverbs. It emphasizes human agency in the transmission of divine wisdom.
* **copied out (Hebrew, _ʻâthaq'_):** From H6275, this primitive root means "to remove," "to grow old," or specifically, "to transcribe." Here, it signifies a deliberate and careful act of transcription, compilation, and preservation. It implies more than simple copying; it suggests a scholarly process of selecting, organizing, and committing these proverbs to a definitive written collection, ensuring their accuracy and accessibility for future generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ These [are] also proverbs of Solomon,"**: This initial clause serves as an editorial heading, clearly identifying the source and nature of the subsequent collection. The "also" indicates that this is an additional compilation, distinct from earlier sections of the book, yet still attributed to the foundational wisdom of King Solomon. It underscores the enduring authority and relevance of Solomon's teachings.
* **"which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out."**: This second clause provides crucial historical context, attributing the compilation of this specific section to the scribes or scholars serving King Hezekiah. It highlights a deliberate, organized effort during Hezekiah's reign to gather, select, and transcribe these proverbs, thereby preserving and disseminating them for the benefit of the kingdom and future generations. The act of "copying out" implies a careful and authoritative editorial process.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 25:1 primarily functions as an **Editorial Superscription** or **Colophon**. This device serves as an authorial or scribal note, providing information about the origin, compilation, or transmission of the text that follows. Its placement at the beginning of a new section clearly delineates it from previous material and establishes its provenance. The verse also employs **Historical Allusion** by referencing specific historical figures, Solomon and Hezekiah, and their respective eras. This grounds the wisdom literature in concrete historical reality, lending it authority and demonstrating its continuity through time. Furthermore, there is an element of **Attribution**, as the verse explicitly credits Solomon as the originator of the proverbs and Hezekiah's men as the compilers, thereby establishing a chain of transmission for this sacred wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 25:1 underscores the divine inspiration and enduring value of God's Word, demonstrating that its preservation is a work of both divine providence and human diligence. It highlights the principle that wisdom, originating from God and articulated through inspired figures like Solomon, is meant to be carefully guarded and passed down through generations. The actions of Hezekiah's men exemplify the high regard for sacred texts and the importance of stewardship in ensuring their accessibility. This verse implicitly affirms the ongoing process of canon formation and the communal responsibility in recognizing, collecting, and transmitting divinely revealed truth. It teaches us that God uses human agents, even kings and their scribes, to ensure His message endures and continues to instruct His people across centuries.

* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")
* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children Diligently")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 25:1 invites us to deeply appreciate the meticulous care and divine orchestration behind the preservation of God's Word. Just as Hezekiah's men diligently "copied out" these ancient proverbs, ensuring their survival for future generations, we are called to be diligent in our own engagement with Scripture. This verse reminds us that the wisdom contained within the Bible is not merely ancient lore but a living, timeless word, carefully transmitted through history for our spiritual nourishment and practical guidance. It challenges us to value this inherited wisdom, to immerse ourselves in it, and to apply its truths to our daily lives. Furthermore, it subtly encourages us to become stewards of this spiritual heritage, not only by diligently studying it ourselves but also by actively participating in its transmission, whether through teaching, sharing, or supporting efforts to make God's Word accessible to others, much like the scribes of old. Our reverence for the text should mirror the dedication of those who preserved it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing the historical context of Proverbs 25:1 deepen your appreciation for the Bible's preservation?**
* **In what ways can you emulate the diligence of "the men of Hezekiah" in your own study and stewardship of God's Word?**
* **What specific steps can you take to ensure the wisdom of Scripture is passed on to the next generation in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why were these proverbs copied out centuries after Solomon's reign?**

Answer: These proverbs were copied out centuries later primarily due to King Hezekiah's spiritual reforms and his high regard for divine wisdom. During his reign (circa 715-686 BC), Hezekiah initiated a widespread revival, purging idolatry and restoring proper worship and adherence to God's law. Part of this reform likely involved a renewed interest in and collection of Israel's sacred and wisdom literature. The existing draft of Proverbs (chapters 1-24) may have been considered incomplete, or perhaps these additional proverbs of Solomon were discovered or deemed particularly relevant for the spiritual and moral instruction of the people during Hezekiah's time. This act underscores the enduring value of Solomon's wisdom and the commitment of a righteous king to preserve and disseminate God's truth for his kingdom, ensuring its continued influence on future generations, as seen in the broader context of Hezekiah's reign in [2 Kings 18](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah's Reign").

**Who were "the men of Hezekiah" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The men of Hezekiah" most likely refers to a group of royal scribes, scholars, or a wisdom council appointed by King Hezekiah. In ancient Near Eastern courts, it was common for kings to employ skilled scribes and scholars to document history, compose royal inscriptions, and collect and preserve important literary and wisdom traditions. Given Hezekiah's reputation as a righteous king dedicated to spiritual revival, these "men" would have been highly educated and devout individuals tasked with the important work of compiling, editing, and transcribing sacred texts. Their role was crucial in the transmission of these proverbs, ensuring their accuracy and integration into the broader collection of biblical wisdom literature, much like other scribal activities mentioned in the Old Testament, such as those of [Ezra](/ezra/7 "Ezra 7 - Ezra's Dedication to God's Law").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 25:1, while an editorial note, subtly points to Christ by highlighting the enduring nature of divine wisdom and its careful preservation. Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of God's wisdom, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). The proverbs of Solomon, though wise and divinely inspired, were shadows and types, pointing to the perfect wisdom found in Christ. Just as Hezekiah's men diligently copied out these proverbs to instruct their generation, so too does the entire biblical narrative, culminating in the New Testament, reveal the wisdom of God in the person and work of Jesus. He is the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the ultimate revelation of divine truth that was preserved and transmitted through human hands, yet divinely inspired. The meticulous care in preserving Solomon's proverbs foreshadows the even greater divine providence in ensuring the complete revelation of God's wisdom in Christ, who declared that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Thus, the wisdom sought and preserved in Proverbs finds its ultimate and perfect expression in Jesus, the wisdom of God personified.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 1:1

¶ The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

1 Kings 4:32

And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.

Ecclesiastes 12:9

And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, [and] set in order many proverbs.

Isaiah 1:1

¶ The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Proverbs 10:1

¶ The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son [is] the heaviness of his mother.

Micah 1:1

¶ The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.

Isaiah 36:22

Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, that [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with [their] clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.