CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 8:16 By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/8-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/20_Pro_08_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 8:16 - The Excellence of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/8-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/8-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm" title="Proverbs 8:15">◄</a> Proverbs 8:16 <a href="/proverbs/8-17.htm" title="Proverbs 8:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />By me princes rule, and nobles, <i>even</i> all the judges of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge <i>and</i> govern rightly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />by me, princes lead, as do nobles and all righteous judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />by me, princes lead, as do nobles and all righteous judges. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Every honest leader rules with help from me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Through me princes rule, so do nobles and all fair judges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Every ruler on earth governs with my help, officials and nobles alike. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />By me leaders rule, as do noble officials and all who govern justly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />by me princes rule, as well as nobles and all righteous judges. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />By me princes rule; nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />By me chiefs rule, and nobles, "" All judges of earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By me do chiefs rule, and nobles, All judges of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />By me chiefs shall have dominion, and nobles all judging the earth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />By me princes rule, and the mighty decree justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Through me, princes rule and the powerful decree justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />By me princes govern, and nobles, all the judges of the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />by me rulers rule, and nobles, all who govern rightly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />By me princes and nobles rule, even all the righteous judges of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because of me Rulers are authorized and Nobles and all Judges of righteousness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />By me nobles become great, and monarchs by me rule over the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/8-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=1395" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/8.htm">The Excellence of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/bî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">By me</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rîm (N-mp) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">princes</a> <a href="/hebrew/8323.htm" title="8323: yā·śō·rū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To be or act as prince, rule. A primitive root; to have dominion.">rule,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5081.htm" title="5081: ū·nə·ḏî·ḇîm (Conj-w:: Adj-mp) -- Inclined, generous, noble. From nadab; properly, voluntary, i.e. Generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee.">nobles</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: šō·p̄ə·ṭê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To judge, govern. ">who govern</a> <a href="/hebrew/6664.htm" title="6664: ṣe·ḏeq (N-ms) -- Rightness, righteousness. From tsadaq; the right; also equity or prosperity.">justly.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a></span><br />He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/75-6.htm">Psalm 75:6-7</a></span><br />For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-1.htm">Isaiah 45:1</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a></span><br />Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a></span><br />Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/27-5.htm">Jeremiah 27:5-7</a></span><br />By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please. / So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. / All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16</a></span><br />For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-17.htm">Daniel 4:17</a></span><br />This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1-2</a></span><br />First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-1.htm">Isaiah 32:1</a></span><br />Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-11.htm">John 19:11</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7-8</a></span><br />The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-26.htm">Acts 17:26</a></span><br />From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-18.htm">Job 12:18</a></span><br />He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.</p><p class="hdg">I love</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-30.htm">1 Samuel 2:30</a></b></br> Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed <i>that</i> thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/91-14.htm">Psalm 91:14</a></b></br> Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/14-21.htm">John 14:21,23</a></b></br> He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him… </p><p class="hdg">those</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:1</a></b></br> Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/45-19.htm">Isaiah 45:19</a></b></br> I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6</a></b></br> Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/psalms/148-11.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-19.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/136-9.htm">Govern</a> <a href="/psalms/135-14.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/psalms/148-11.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-3.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-6.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/psalms/149-8.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-5.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-8.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm">Rightly</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-23.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Rulers</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-17.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-23.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-4.htm">Govern</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-20.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-6.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-19.htm">Rightly</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">Rulers</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">the fame</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-6.htm">and evidence of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">The excellence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">the nature</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">the power</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-18.htm">the riches</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">and the eternity of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/8-32.htm">Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it brings</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/proverbs/8.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>by me</b><br />This phrase emphasizes the divine wisdom personified in <a href="/proverbs/8.htm">Proverbs 8</a>, which is often understood as a prefiguration of Christ or the Holy Spirit. The Hebrew word for "me" here is "bi," indicating that it is through wisdom that governance is established. This suggests that all authority and leadership should be rooted in divine wisdom, aligning with the biblical principle that true wisdom comes from God (<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>).<p><b>princes govern</b><br />The term "princes" refers to leaders or rulers, those who hold positions of authority. The Hebrew word "sarim" is used, which can denote officials or captains. This highlights the biblical view that leadership is a divine calling and responsibility. The governance by princes through wisdom implies that their authority is legitimate and righteous when it is exercised in accordance with God's wisdom, reflecting the biblical ideal of just and moral leadership.<p><b>and all nobles</b><br />"Nobles" refers to individuals of high rank or status, often those who have inherited their positions. The Hebrew word "nobles" is "nedibim," which can also mean willing or generous ones. This suggests that true nobility is characterized not just by status, but by a willingness to serve and lead with integrity and generosity, echoing the biblical call for leaders to be servant-hearted (<a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42-45</a>).<p><b>who rule on earth</b><br />This phrase encompasses all forms of earthly governance and authority. The Hebrew word for "rule" is "shofetim," which can mean judges or rulers. It underscores the comprehensive scope of wisdom's influence, extending to all who exercise authority on earth. This reflects the biblical teaching that all authority is established by God (<a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1</a>), and thus should be exercised in alignment with His principles of justice, mercy, and humility (<a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">All the judges of the earth</span>.--By the aid of heavenly wisdom only can they give right and just judgments, and so fulfil the high office delegated to them by God Himself, from the possession of which they are themselves termed "gods" (<a href="/exodus/22-28.htm" title="You shall not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of your people.">Exodus 22:28</a>; <a href="/psalms/82-1.htm" title="God stands in the congregation of the mighty; he judges among the gods.">Psalm 82:1</a>). For the same reason kings, as ruling by His authority, have the same title accorded to them (<a href="/psalms/45-6.htm" title="Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the scepter of your kingdom is a right scepter.">Psalm 45:6</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Princes</span>; here <span class="accented">sarim</span>, "leaders." <span class="cmt_word">All the judges of the earth.</span> These words stand without a conjunction, in apposition to what has preceded, by what is called <span class="accented">asyndeton summativum</span> (<a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Proverbs 1:21</a>), and gather in one view kings, princes, and leaders. Thus the Book of Wisdom, which speaks of the duties of rulers, commences by addressing of <span class="greek">κρίνοντες τὴν γῆν</span>, "ye that are judges of the earth." In the East judgment of causes was an integral part of a monarch's duties. The reading of the Authorized Version is supported by the Septuagint, which gives <span class="greek">κρατοῦσι γῆς</span>. The Vulgate, Syriac, and Chaldee road, <span class="hebrew">צדק</span>, "justice," in place of <span class="hebrew">ארצ</span>, "earth;" but this seems to have been an alteration of the original text derived from some idea of the assertion there made being too comprehensive or universal. Nowack compares <a href="/psalms/2-10.htm">Psalm 2:10</a> and Psalms 148:11, "Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth." The Fathers have taken these verses as spoken by God, and as asserting his supremacy and the providential ordering of human government, according to St. Paul's saying, "There is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God" (<a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1</a>; see St. Augustine, 'De Civit. Dei,' 5:19). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/8-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">By me</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּ֭י</span> <span class="translit">(bî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">princes</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(śā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rule,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָשֹׂ֑רוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·śō·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8323.htm">Strong's 8323: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or act as prince, rule</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nobles</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝נְדִיבִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·nə·ḏî·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5081.htm">Strong's 5081: </a> </span><span class="str2">Voluntary, generous, magnanimous, a grandee</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who govern</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁ֥פְטֵי</span> <span class="translit">(šō·p̄ə·ṭê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">justly.</span><br /><span class="heb">צֶֽדֶק׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṣe·ḏeq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/8-16.htm">Proverbs 8:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/8-16.htm">Proverbs 8:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/8-16.htm">Proverbs 8:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/8-16.htm">Proverbs 8:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/8-16.htm">Proverbs 8:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/8-16.htm">Proverbs 8:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/8-16.htm">Proverbs 8:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/8-16.htm">Proverbs 8:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/8-16.htm">Proverbs 8:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/8-16.htm">Proverbs 8:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/8-16.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:16 By me princes rule (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 8:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 8:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/8-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 8:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 8:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>