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Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

<!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 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/16-33.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/20_Pro_16_33.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 16:33 - The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." /><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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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof <i>is</i> of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision <i>is</i> from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, But its every judgment is from Yahweh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We make our own decisions, but the LORD alone determines what happens. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/16.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />The dice are thrown, but the LORD determines every outcome.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />People cast lots to learn God's will, but God himself determines the answer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The dice is cast into someone's lap, but the outcome is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The dice are thrown into the lap, but their every decision is from the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap: but the whole disposing of it is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the center, "" And all its judgment [is] from YHWH!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Into the centre is the lot cast, And from Jehovah is all its judgment!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In the bosom he shall, cast the lot; and from Jehovah all his judgment.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Lots are cast into the lap, but they are disposed of by the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Lots are cast into the lap, but they are tempered by the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Into the bag the lot is cast, but from the LORD comes every decision. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is the LORD&#8217;s alone.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The evil of the vicious falls into his own bosom; and his judgment proceeds from before the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Into the breast of the vicious his portion falls; from before LORD JEHOVAH goes forth his judgment. <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />All <i>evils</i> come upon the ungodly into <i>their</i> bosoms; but all righteous things <i>come</i> of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/16-33.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=3290" 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/16.htm">The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">32</span>He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city. <span class="reftext">33</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1486.htm" title="1486: hag&#183;g&#333;&#183;w&#183;r&#257;l (Art:: N-ms) -- Or goral; from an unused root meaning to be rough; properly, a pebble, i.e. A lot; figuratively, a portion or destiny.">The lot</a> <a href="/hebrew/2904.htm" title="2904: y&#363;&#183;&#7789;al (V-Hofal-Imperf-3ms) -- To hurl, cast. A primitive root; to pitch over or reel; hence to cast down or out.">is cast</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: &#8217;e&#7791;- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2436.htm" title="2436: ba&#183;&#7717;&#234;q (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Bosom. Or cheq; and chowq; from an unused root, apparently meaning to inclose; the bosom.">into the lap,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: k&#257;l- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">but its every</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: mi&#353;&#183;p&#257;&#183;&#7789;&#333;w (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Judgment. ">decision</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah&#183;weh (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">is from the LORD.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <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="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a></span><br />Many plans are in a man&#8217;s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a></span><br />The king&#8217;s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23</a></span><br />The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-19.htm">Psalm 103:19</a></span><br />The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-9.htm">Isaiah 46:9-10</a></span><br />Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. / I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, &#8216;My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.&#8217;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a></span><br />All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, &#8216;What have You done?&#8217;&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-23.htm">Jeremiah 10:23</a></span><br />I know, O LORD, that a man&#8217;s way is not his own; no one who walks directs his own steps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/42-2.htm">Job 42:2</a></span><br />&#8220;I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:14</a></span><br />In the day of prosperity, be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider this: God has made one of these along with the other, so that a man cannot discover anything that will come after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-37.htm">Lamentations 3:37</a></span><br />Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Acts 1:24-26</a></span><br />And they prayed, &#8220;Lord, You know everyone&#8217;s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen / to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.&#8221; / Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a></span><br />And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Ephesians 1:11</a></span><br />In Him we were also chosen as God&#8217;s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-15</a></span><br />Come now, you who say, &#8220;Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.&#8221; / You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. / Instead, you ought to say, &#8220;If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-29.htm">Matthew 10:29-31</a></span><br />Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. / And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. / So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/26-55.htm">Numbers 26:55</a></b></br> Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/7-14.htm">Joshua 7:14</a></b></br> In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, <i>that</i> the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families <i>thereof</i>; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/18-5.htm">Joshua 18:5,10</a></b></br> And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north&#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/7-26.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/acts/17-22.htm">Centre</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-14.htm">Chance</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">Disposing</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-33.htm">Lot</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-25.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-31.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/psalms/119-128.htm">Wholly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-14.htm">Centre</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Chance</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">Disposing</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-18.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Lot</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-26.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/songs/5-16.htm">Wholly</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">The Plans of the heart</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>The lot is cast into the lap</b><br>In ancient times, casting lots was a common practice used to make decisions or discern divine will. This method involved throwing stones, sticks, or other objects to determine an outcome. The practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/leviticus/16-8.htm">Leviticus 16:8</a>, where lots were used to choose between the scapegoat and the goat for sacrifice. The phrase "into the lap" suggests a personal and intimate setting, indicating that the decision-making process was often done in a private or sacred context. The use of lots was a way to seek God's guidance, reflecting a belief in His sovereignty over seemingly random events.<p><b>but its every decision is from the LORD</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the belief in God's ultimate control over all events, even those that appear to be left to chance. It reflects the theological understanding that nothing happens outside of God's will or knowledge. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a>, which states, "Many are the plans in a person&#8217;s heart, but it is the LORD&#8217;s purpose that prevails." The idea that God directs the outcome of casting lots underscores His omnipotence and omniscience. It also points to the trust believers are to have in God's providence, knowing that He orchestrates all things for His purposes. This trust in divine sovereignty is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reinforcing the belief that God is actively involved in the world and in the lives of His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often explore themes of divine sovereignty and human responsibility.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where casting lots was a common practice for making decisions and seeking divine guidance.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/casting_lots.htm">Casting Lots</a></b><br>An ancient practice used to discern God's will or make decisions. It involved throwing marked stones or sticks and interpreting the outcome as a divine decision.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_sovereignty.htm">Divine Sovereignty</a></b><br>God is ultimately in control of all outcomes, even those that seem random or left to chance. This should encourage trust in His plans and purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_responsibility.htm">Human Responsibility</a></b><br>While God is sovereign, humans are still responsible for their actions and decisions. We should seek His guidance in all things.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_decisions.htm">Trust in God's Decisions</a></b><br>Even when outcomes are uncertain, believers can have confidence that God&#8217;s decisions are for their good and His glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayerful_decision-making.htm">Prayerful Decision-Making</a></b><br>Before making decisions, especially significant ones, seek God&#8217;s wisdom and guidance through prayer and Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_uncertainty.htm">Faith in Uncertainty</a></b><br>In times of uncertainty, remember that God&#8217;s will prevails. This should bring peace and assurance to believers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_casting_lots_in_the_bible.htm">What does casting lots mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_gambling_considered_sinful.htm">Is gambling considered sinful?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_poker_considered_sinful.htm">Is poker considered sinful?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_gambling_biblical_stewardship.htm">Does gambling align with biblical teachings on stewardship?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(33) <span class= "bld">The lot is cast into the lap . . .--</span>In other words, much that we attribute to chance is due to the providence of God. (Comp. <a href="/context/matthew/10-29.htm" title="Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.">Matthew 10:29-30</a>.) This should be an encouragement to trust in Him.<p><span class= "bld"><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 33.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The lot is cast into the lap.</span> The bosom or fold of the garment (<a href="/proverbs/6-27.htm">Proverbs 6:27</a>; <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23</a>; <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14</a>). It is not quite clear what articles the Jews used in their divinations by lot. Probably they employed stones, differing in shape or colour, or having some distinguishing mark. These were placed in a vessel or in the fold of a garment, and drawn or shaken thence. Such a practice has been common in all ages and countries; and though only cursorily mentioned in the Mosaic legislation (<a href="/numbers/26-55.htm">Numbers 26:55</a>), it was used by the Jews from the time of Joshua, and in the earliest days of the Christian Church (see <a href="/joshua/18-10.htm">Joshua 18:10</a>; <a href="/judges/20-9.htm">Judges 20:9</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/10-20.htm">1 Samuel 10:20, 21</a>; <a href="/acts/1.htm">Acts 1</a>:28, etc.). As by this means man's agency was minimized, and all partiality and chicanery were excluded, the decision was regarded as directed by Providence. There is one case only of ordeal in the Law, and that under suspicion of adultery (<a href="/numbers/5-12.htm">Numbers 5:12</a>, etc.). In the Epistle to the Hebrews, in place of the lot we read (<a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Hebrews 6:16</a>), "An oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife." <span class="cmt_word">The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.</span> In these cases the Jew learned to see, in what we call chance, the overruling of Divine power. But this was not blind superstition. He did not feel justified in resorting to this practice on every trivial occasion, as persons used the <span class="accented">Sortes Virgilianae</span> or even the verses of the Bible for the same purpose. The lot was employed religiously in cases where other means of decision were not suitable or available; it was not to supersede common prudence or careful investigation; but, for example, in trials where the evidence was conflicting and the judges could not determine the case, the merits were ascer-rained by lot (comp. ch. 18:18). After the effusion of the Holy Spirit, the apostles never resorted to divination, and the Christian Church has wisely repudiated the practice of all such modes of discovering the Divine will. Septuagint, "For the unrighteous all things fall into their bosom, but from the Lord are all just things," which may mean either that, though the wicked seem to prosper, God still works out his righteous ends; or the evil suffer retribution, and thus God's justice is displayed. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/16-33.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 lot</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1492;&#1463;&#1490;&#1468;&#1493;&#1465;&#1512;&#1464;&#1425;&#1500;</span> <span class="translit">(hag&#183;g&#333;&#183;w&#183;r&#257;l)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article &#124; Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1486.htm">Strong's 1486: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lot -- a lot (for casting)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is cast</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1493;&#1468;&#1496;&#1463;&#1443;&#1500;</span> <span class="translit">(y&#363;&#183;&#7789;al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2904.htm">Strong's 2904: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pitch over, reel, to cast down, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into the lap,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1463;&#1453;&#1495;&#1461;&#1497;&#1511;</span> <span class="translit">(ba&#183;&#7717;&#234;q)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article &#124; Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2436.htm">Strong's 2436: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bosom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but its every</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1468;&#1464;&#1500;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(k&#257;l-)</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">decision</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1460;&#1513;&#1473;&#1456;&#1508;&#1468;&#1464;&#1496;&#1469;&#1493;&#1465;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(mi&#353;&#183;p&#257;&#183;&#7789;&#333;w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is from the LORD.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1468;&#1437;&#1502;&#1461;&#1497;&#1456;&#1492;&#1493;&#1464;&#1431;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(Yah&#183;weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m &#124; Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 16:32"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:32" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 17:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:1" /></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>

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