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<!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 20:2 The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/20-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/20_Pro_20_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 20:2 - Wine is a Mocker" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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those who anger him forfeit their lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The fear of a king <i>is</i> as the roaring of a lion: <i>whoso</i> provoketh him to anger sinneth <i>against</i> his own soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The wrath of a king <i>is</i> like the roaring of a lion; <i>Whoever</i> provokes him to anger sins <i>against</i> his own life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion; One who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; He who provokes him to anger sins against his own soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A king’s terrible wrath is like the roaring of a lion; anyone who provokes him endangers himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A king&#8217s terrible wrath is like the roaring of a lion; anyone who provokes him endangers himself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: He that provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />An angry ruler is like a roaring lion--make either one angry, and you are dead. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: he that provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion. Whoever makes him angry forfeits his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Fear an angry king as you would a growling lion; making him angry is suicide. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A king's anger is like a lion's roar; anyone who angers him forfeits his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The king's terrifying anger is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him sins against himself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoever provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The fear of a king [is] a growl as of a young lion, "" He who is causing him to be angry is wronging his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The fear of a king is a growl as of a young lion, He who is causing him to be wroth is wronging his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The terror of the king growling as the young lion: he overflowing against him sinned against his soul.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As the roaring of a lion, so also is the dread of a king: he that provoketh him, sinneth against his own soul. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Just like the roaring of a lion, so also is the dread of a king. Whoever provokes him sins in his own soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; those who incur his anger forfeit their lives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The dread anger of a king is like the growling of a lion; anyone who provokes him to anger forfeits life itself.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The anger of the king is as the roaring of a lion; he who provokes him to anger sins against his own life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The wrath of the King roars like a lion and he that angers him sins against himself.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: He that provoketh him to anger forfeiteth his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The threat of a king differs not from the rage of a lion; and he that provokes him sins against his own soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/20-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3933" 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/20.htm">Wine is a Mocker</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/367.htm" title="367: ’ê·maṯ (N-fsc) -- Terror, dread. Or remah; from the same as 'ayom; fright; concrete, an idol.">The terror</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">of a king</a> <a href="/hebrew/5099.htm" title="5099: na·ham (N-ms) -- Growling (of a lion). From naham; a snarl.">is like the roar</a> <a href="/hebrew/3715.htm" title="3715: kak·kə·p̄îr (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Young lion. From kaphar; a village; also a young lion.">of a lion;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: miṯ·‘ab·bə·rōw (V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-msc:: 3ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">whoever provokes him</a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: ḥō·w·ṭê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">forfeits</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">his own life.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.…<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 13:1-4</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. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-17</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. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:2-4</a></span><br />Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. / Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. / For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/3-13.htm">Daniel 3:13-15</a></span><br />Then Nebuchadnezzar, furious with rage, summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, / and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden statue I have set up? / Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the statue I have made, very good. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-12.htm">Daniel 6:12-16</a></span><br />So they approached the king and asked about his royal decree: “Did you not sign a decree that for thirty days any man who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions?” The king replied, “According to the law of the Medes and Persians the order stands, and it cannot be repealed.” / Then they told the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day.” / As soon as the king heard this, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel, and he labored until sundown to rescue him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a></span><br />“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a></span><br />But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a></span><br />So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9-11</a></span><br />But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a></span><br />You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-14.htm">2 Samuel 1:14-16</a></span><br />So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” / Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-23.htm">1 Kings 2:23-25</a></span><br />Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life. / And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” / So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/7-7.htm">Esther 7:7-10</a></span><br />In his fury, the king arose from drinking his wine and went to the palace garden, while Haman stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life, for he realized that the king was planning a terrible fate for him. / Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually assault the queen while I am in the palace?” As soon as the words had left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. / Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2-3</a></span><br />so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear / and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-40.htm">Genesis 41:40-44</a></span><br />You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” / Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” / Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own soul.</p><p class="hdg">fear</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14,15</a></b></br> The wrath of a king <i>is as</i> messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Proverbs 19:12</a></b></br> The king's wrath <i>is</i> as the roaring of a lion; but his favour <i>is</i> as dew upon the grass.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4</a></b></br> If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.</p><p class="hdg">sinneth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/8-36.htm">Proverbs 8:36</a></b></br> But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/2-23.htm">1 Kings 2:23</a></b></br> Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/19-19.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-26.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-33.htm">Dread</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-23.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/luke/9-25.htm">Forfeits</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Growl</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Growling</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">King's</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/job/16-3.htm">Provokes</a> <a href="/job/16-3.htm">Provoketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Roar</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Roaring</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">Sinneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-25.htm">Terror</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-19.htm">Wrath</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-5.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-36.htm">Wronging</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Wroth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/songs/3-8.htm">Dread</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Forfeits</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-29.htm">Growl</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-15.htm">Growling</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">King's</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-13.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-8.htm">Provokes</a> <a href="/isaiah/65-3.htm">Provoketh</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-29.htm">Roar</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-15.htm">Roaring</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-20.htm">Sinneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-10.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-15.htm">Terror</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Wrath</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/acts/7-27.htm">Wronging</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-21.htm">Wroth</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-29.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Proper Living</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'; 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The "terror" of a king refers to the fear and respect that his authority commanded. This is reminiscent of the divine right of kings, where the monarch was seen as God's representative on earth. In biblical context, kings like David and Solomon were seen as shepherds of their people, but they also had the power to enforce laws and administer justice, which could instill fear. This phrase underscores the importance of respecting authority, as seen in <a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a>, where Paul emphasizes submission to governing authorities as they are instituted by God.<p><b>is like the roar of a lion;</b><br>The lion is often used in the Bible as a symbol of strength, power, and majesty. In the ancient Near East, lions were considered the kings of the animal kingdom, much like the king was the supreme ruler among men. The roar of a lion is a powerful and fearsome sound, symbolizing the king's ability to instill fear and command respect. This imagery is also used in <a href="/amos/3-8.htm">Amos 3:8</a>, where the prophet speaks of the Lord's voice as a lion's roar, indicating the power and authority of God's word. The comparison suggests that just as a lion's roar can paralyze its prey with fear, so too can the king's wrath be overwhelming and inescapable.<p><b>whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.</b><br>Provoking a king was a serious offense, often leading to severe consequences, including death. In the historical context of monarchies, the king's word was law, and any challenge to his authority could be seen as rebellion or treason. This phrase highlights the potential danger of inciting the king's anger, as seen in the story of Esther, where approaching the king without being summoned could result in death (<a href="/esther/4-11.htm">Esther 4:11</a>). It also reflects the broader biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where actions have consequences, as seen in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>. This serves as a warning to exercise wisdom and caution in dealings with those in authority, recognizing the potential risks of defiance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king.htm">King</a></b><br>Represents authority and power, often seen as God's appointed ruler on earth. In ancient Israel, the king was both a political and spiritual leader.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/lion.htm">Lion</a></b><br>Symbolizes strength, fear, and authority. In biblical literature, the lion often represents God's power and majesty.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/proverbs.htm">Proverbs</a></b><br>A book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, offering practical advice for godly living.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a></b><br>The verse emphasizes the importance of respecting those in positions of authority, as they are placed there by God. Disrespect or rebellion can lead to severe consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_sovereignty.htm">Understanding God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Just as a king's wrath is formidable, so is God's. This verse serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the importance of living in accordance with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_speech_and_actions.htm">Wisdom in Speech and Actions</a></b><br>Provoking authority can lead to dire outcomes. Believers are called to exercise wisdom in their interactions with those in power, ensuring their actions align with biblical principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_the_lord.htm">Fear of the Lord</a></b><br>The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Just as one would fear the roar of a lion, so should one have a reverent fear of God, leading to obedience and respect for His commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_rebellion.htm">Consequences of Rebellion</a></b><br>The verse warns of the life-threatening consequences of provoking a king. This serves as a metaphor for the spiritual consequences of rebelling against God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/2_kings_17_25__lions_targeting_settlers.htm">2 Kings 17:25 - How plausible is the account of lions specifically targeting the new settlers for religious reasons?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_2_kings_20_6_fit_with_omniscience.htm">2 Kings 20:6: How does God adding fifteen years to King Hezekiah's life fit with divine omniscience and an unchangeable plan?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_jehoash's_faithfulness_contradicted.htm">What explains the contradictory portrayal of Jehoash's faithfulness here versus his assassination in 2 Kings 12:20, appearing to undermine his supposed righteousness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_abijah's_mother_michaiah_or_maachah.htm">What was King Abijah's mother's name: Michaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) or Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:20), given Absalom's only daughter was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion, </span><span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the dread which he casts upon others when he is becoming angry is a warning of approaching. danger.<p><span class= "bld">Sinneth against his own soul--</span><span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, against his own life.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion</span> (see <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Proverbs 19:12</a>). The terror which a king causes when his anger is rising is like the roar of a lion, which betokens danger. Septuagint, "The threat of a king differeth not from the wrath of a lion." Whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul; imperils his life, which he has no right wilfully to jeopard. Septuagint, "He who enrageth him (<span class="greek">ὁ παροξύνων αὐτόν</span>)." The Complutensian and some Greek versions introduce the words, <span class="greek">καὶ</span> <span class="greek">ἐπιμιγνύμενος</span>, "and has intercourse with him;" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> he who having aroused a king's resentment does not avoid his presence, exposes himself to certain death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/20-2.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">The terror</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֣ימַת</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·maṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_367.htm">Strong's 367: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fright, an idol</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֑לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is like the roar</span><br /><span class="heb">נַ֣הַם</span> <span class="translit">(na·ham)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5099.htm">Strong's 5099: </a> </span><span class="str2">Growling (of a lion)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a lion;</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּ֭כְּפִיר</span> <span class="translit">(kak·kə·p̄îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3715.htm">Strong's 3715: </a> </span><span class="str2">A village, a young lion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whoever provokes [him]</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֝תְעַבְּר֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(miṯ·‘ab·bə·rōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">forfeits</span><br /><span class="heb">חוֹטֵ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·w·ṭê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his own life.</span><br /><span class="heb">נַפְשֽׁוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:2 The terror of a king is like (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 20:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 20:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:3" /></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>