Proverbs 27:27

KJV

And [thou shalt have] goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and [for] the maintenance for thy maidens.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt have goats {H5795}' milk {H2461} enough {H1767} for thy food {H3899}, for the food {H3899} of thy household {H1004}, and for the maintenance {H2416} for thy maidens {H5291}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and there will be enough goat's milk to [buy] food for you and your household and maintenance for your servant-girls.

Berean Standard Bible

You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you— food for your household and nourishment for your maidservants.

American Standard Version

Andthere will begoats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, And maintenance for thy maidens.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 27:27 encapsulates the tangible blessings that flow from diligent and wise stewardship of agricultural resources, specifically livestock. It illustrates how careful attention to one's flocks ensures abundant and sustained provision of essential nourishment, not only for the individual but for the entire household and its dependents, underscoring the comprehensive nature of wisdom's reward in an agrarian society and the far-reaching impact of prudent management.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 27:27 concludes a concise, practical instruction on diligent agricultural management that begins in [Proverbs 27:23](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23 - Know the State of Your Flocks"). The preceding verses, [Proverbs 27:23-26](/proverbs/27-23-26 "Proverbs 27:23-26 - Diligence and Wealth"), emphasize the critical importance of knowing the condition of one's flocks and herds, for "riches are not forever" and "the hay appeareth, and the tender grass showeth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered." This entire section serves as a practical exposition of the general wisdom principles found throughout the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs"), linking diligent labor directly to sustainable provision. Verse 27, therefore, functions as the beneficial outcome or consequence of the wise practices advocated immediately prior, portraying a picture of security and abundance resulting from foresight and hard work.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, livestock was not merely an asset but the very foundation of economic stability and daily sustenance. Goats, in particular, were highly valued for their resilience in arid climates and their multi-faceted utility. They provided milk for immediate consumption and cheese production, meat for protein, hair for weaving into textiles (e.g., tent coverings, clothing), and skins for various uses. The "household" (`bayith`) in this context refers to the extended family unit, including immediate relatives, servants, and other dependents, all of whom relied on the patriarch's ability to provide. The mention of "maidens" (`naʻărâh`) highlights the comprehensive nature of this provision, extending even to those who were part of the domestic labor force, underscoring the responsibility of the household head to ensure the well-being of all under their care. This verse reflects a society where self-sufficiency, achieved through diligent labor and prudent management, was paramount for survival and prosperity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes central to the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs"). Foremost is the theme of **Diligence and Stewardship**, where consistent, attentive labor directly yields tangible rewards. It reinforces the idea that wisdom is not merely theoretical but profoundly practical, leading to material well-being, as seen in the call to "know the state of your flocks" in [Proverbs 27:23](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23 - Know the State of Your Flocks"). Another prominent theme is **Sustained Provision**, emphasized by the word "enough" (`day`), signifying not a temporary supply but a continuous, sufficient stream of resources. This points to the blessing of consistent sustenance that flows from prudent living and hard work, echoing God's faithfulness to provide for His people, often through their diligent efforts, as promised in passages like [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs"). Finally, the verse highlights **Household Economy and Responsibility**, underscoring the duty of the household head to ensure the welfare of everyone under their charge, from family members to servants, demonstrating that wise management benefits the entire community dependent on them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **enough (Hebrew, _day'_):** This word (H1767) signifies sufficiency, adequacy, and abundance. It implies that the provision is not merely minimal but ample to meet all needs. In the context of [Proverbs 27:27](/proverbs/27-27 "Proverbs 27:27 - Goats' Milk for Sustenance"), it assures that the diligent steward will have a continuous and plentiful supply of goats' milk, extending beyond mere survival to a state of comfort and security for the entire household.
* **household (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," this term (H1004) encompasses more than just a physical dwelling. It refers to the entire family unit, including immediate relatives, extended kin, and all dependents, such as servants and laborers, who live under the same roof and authority. Its inclusion here emphasizes that the benefits of diligent stewardship extend broadly to everyone within the family structure, not just the individual.
* **maintenance (Hebrew, _chay'_):** This word (H2416) literally means "life" or "living thing," and by extension, "livelihood" or "sustenance." It denotes not just food for immediate consumption but the very means of sustaining life and well-being. For the "maidens," the goats' milk provides not just a meal but the fundamental support necessary for their existence and continued service, underscoring the comprehensive and vital nature of the provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [thou shalt have] goats' milk enough for thy food,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct, tangible benefit of diligent care for one's livestock. "Goats' milk" (`ʻêz`, H5795; `châlâb`, H2461) is specified as a primary, accessible, and nutritious staple in an agrarian society. The phrase "enough" (`day`, H1767) is crucial, indicating a plentiful and sustained supply, not a meager or temporary one. This milk is designated first for the individual's "food" (`lechem`, H3899), implying personal sustenance and well-being as a direct reward for effort.
* **"for the food of thy household,"**: The provision extends beyond the individual to the collective. The "household" (`bayith`, H1004) signifies the extended family unit, including all members and dependents living under the same roof. The repetition of "food" (`lechem`, H3899) emphasizes that the same abundant source of nourishment that sustains the individual is also sufficient to feed the entire family, highlighting the communal benefit of wise management and the steward's responsibility to his immediate kin.
* **"and [for] the maintenance for thy maidens."**: This final clause further broadens the scope of provision to include the "maidens" (`naʻărâh`, H5291), referring to female servants or young women within the household. The term "maintenance" (`chay`, H2416) carries the deeper meaning of "livelihood" or "life itself," indicating that the goats' milk provides not just a meal but the very means of sustaining their lives and well-being. This demonstrates the comprehensive responsibility of the household head to provide for all under their care, and how diligent stewardship enables this broad provision, extending care to those who are often most vulnerable.

#### Literary Devices
[Proverbs 27:27](/proverbs/27-27 "Proverbs 27:27 - Goats' Milk for Sustenance") employs several literary devices to convey its timeless wisdom. **Metonymy** is evident, where "goats' milk" stands as a concrete symbol for the broader concept of diligent agricultural stewardship and its resultant abundant provision. It represents the tangible blessings that flow from careful management of resources, extending beyond the literal product to the general principle of provision. The verse also functions as a prime example of **Proverbial Wisdom**, presenting a practical, observable truth from daily life—that tending to one's animals yields sustenance—to illustrate a deeper spiritual and ethical principle: diligence leads to security and provision. Although not strict poetic parallelism, there is an implicit **Progression of Recipients**, moving from the individual ("thy food") to the immediate family ("thy household") and then to the broader dependents ("thy maidens"). This progression emphasizes the comprehensive and far-reaching benefits of wise stewardship, demonstrating how personal discipline can secure the well-being of an entire community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Proverbs 27:27](/proverbs/27-27 "Proverbs 27:27 - Goats' Milk for Sustenance") beautifully articulates a fundamental principle of divine economy: God often works through human diligence to bring about provision. It teaches that responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us, whether agricultural, financial, or relational, is not only a wise practice but also a pathway to sustained blessing. The "enough" implies God's desire for sufficiency and peace, not just bare survival, for His people. This verse connects the practical wisdom of daily life to a broader theological understanding of God's providential care, reminding us that while ultimate provision comes from Him, our active participation through hard work and foresight is often the means by which that provision is realized. It underscores the dignity of labor and the interconnectedness of individual effort with communal well-being, reflecting a biblical worldview where human responsibility and divine sovereignty coalesce in the provision of life's necessities.

* [Proverbs 27:23](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23 - Know the State of Your Flocks")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [1 Timothy 5:8](/1_timothy/5-8 "1 Timothy 5:8 - Providing for One's Own Household")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific context of goats' milk may seem distant to many modern readers, the timeless principles embedded in [Proverbs 27:27](/proverbs/27-27 "Proverbs 27:27 - Goats' Milk for Sustenance") remain profoundly relevant for contemporary life. This verse calls us to a posture of active, responsible stewardship over every aspect of our lives—our finances, time, talents, health, and relationships. It challenges us to move beyond passive hope for provision to diligent engagement with the resources God has given us. Just as the ancient farmer meticulously cared for his flock to ensure a steady supply, we are encouraged to cultivate habits of foresight, planning, and consistent effort in our own spheres. This involves managing our finances wisely, investing in our skills, nurturing our relationships, and caring for our physical and spiritual well-being. The verse also broadens our perspective on responsibility, reminding us that our diligence often extends beyond ourselves to provide for our families, communities, and those dependent on us. It is a call to live with intentionality, recognizing that our daily disciplines contribute to a secure and flourishing life, not just for ourselves but for all those within our sphere of influence, reflecting God's order and generosity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What resources (financial, time, talents, relationships) has God entrusted to me, and how diligently am I stewarding them for His glory and the good of others?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate more foresight and consistent effort to ensure "enough" for myself and those dependent on me, both materially and spiritually?**
* **How does my personal diligence (or lack thereof) impact the well-being and provision of my household or community, and what steps can I take to improve?**
* **Beyond material provision, how can the principle of diligent stewardship be applied to my spiritual growth, the nurturing of my faith, and my contribution to the Kingdom of God?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that material wealth is a guarantee for all who are diligent?**

Answer: While [Proverbs 27:27](/proverbs/27-27 "Proverbs 27:27 - Goats' Milk for Sustenance"), like many proverbs, highlights the general correlation between diligence and provision, it does not offer an absolute guarantee of material wealth for every diligent person in all circumstances. Proverbs often express general truths and observable patterns rather than unconditional promises. In an agrarian society, diligent care of livestock almost invariably led to sustenance. However, external factors like famine, disease, or socio-political instability could still impact provision. The deeper theological truth is that diligence is a wise and God-honoring practice that typically leads to stability and sufficiency, as God often works through human effort to provide. It encourages responsible living and trust in God's providence, even as we acknowledge that our ultimate security is found in Christ, not in our possessions or efforts alone (see [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry")).

**How does "goats' milk" relate to modern living?**

Answer: In modern living, "goats' milk" serves as a powerful metaphor for the foundational resources and provisions that sustain our lives and households. While few today rely directly on livestock for daily sustenance, the principle remains: diligent stewardship of our contemporary resources leads to stability and sufficiency. This can include managing our finances wisely, cultivating our skills and careers, maintaining our health, and nurturing strong family and community relationships. Just as goats' milk was a reliable staple for ancient households, we are called to identify and diligently manage the "staples" of our modern lives to ensure sustained provision for ourselves and those dependent on us. The verse's wisdom transcends its specific agrarian context to speak to universal principles of responsible living and the interconnectedness of effort and outcome.

**What is the significance of providing for "maidens" in this verse?**

Answer: The inclusion of "maidens" (`naʻărâh`, H5291) is significant because it broadens the scope of the household's provision beyond immediate family members to include servants or other dependents. In ancient Near Eastern households, maidens or female servants were an integral part of the domestic structure, contributing to the household's labor and economy. By explicitly mentioning their "maintenance" (`chay`, H2416, meaning "livelihood" or "life"), the verse underscores the comprehensive responsibility of the household head to ensure the well-being and sustenance of all individuals under their care. It highlights a holistic view of provision that extends to the entire community within the home, demonstrating that the blessings of diligent stewardship are meant to flow outwards, benefiting everyone connected to the wise steward. This aligns with broader biblical principles of caring for the vulnerable and those dependent upon us, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor") and the broader call to justice and compassion throughout Scripture.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Proverbs 27:27](/proverbs/27-27 "Proverbs 27:27 - Goats' Milk for Sustenance"), with its emphasis on diligent provision and comprehensive care, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of the earthly provision of goats' milk, Christ is the [true and ultimate sustenance](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") for His people. He is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") who not only knows His sheep but also lays down His life for them, ensuring their eternal "maintenance" and abundant "life" (cf. [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). Just as the wise steward provides "enough" for his household, Jesus, through His miraculous feedings (e.g., [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding of the Five Thousand")), demonstrated His power and willingness to provide for the physical needs of the multitudes. More significantly, He offers Himself as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-48 "John 6:48 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), the spiritual food that satisfies the deepest hunger and thirst of the soul, providing eternal "maintenance" for all who believe. Through His perfect sacrifice, He has secured not just temporary provision but eternal life for His "household," the Church ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")), ensuring that all who are His will never lack what is truly necessary for life and godliness. Thus, the diligent provision of the proverb points forward to the infinitely greater, all-encompassing provision found in Christ, who is our ultimate source of life, sustenance, and security for all eternity.

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

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Proverbs 30:8

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

Proverbs 30:9

Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, Who [is] the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain].