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Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
<!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 21:14 A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/21-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/20_Pro_21_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 21:14 - The King's Heart" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath." /><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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a bribe under the table pacifies fury.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in an inside pocket, strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe [hidden] in the pocket, strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A secret gift soothes anger, and a covert bribe, fierce rage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A secret gift soothes anger, and a covert bribe, fierce rage. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A secret bribe will save you from someone's fierce anger. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a present in the bosom strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A gift [given] in secret calms anger, and a secret bribe calms great fury.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If someone is angry with you, a gift given secretly will calm him down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Privately given gifts pacify wrath, and payments made secretly appease great anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A gift given in secret subdues anger, and a bribe given secretly subdues strong wrath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A gift in secret pacifies anger; and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom, strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A gift in secret pacifies anger, "" And a bribe in the bosom—strong fury.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A gift in secret pacifieth anger, And a bribe in the bosom strong fury.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Giving in secret will subdue anger: and a gift in the bosom, strong wrath.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A secret present quencheth anger: and a gift in the bosom the greatest wrath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A surprise gift extinguishes anger. And a gift concealed in the bosom extinguishes the greatest indignation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A secret gift allays anger, and a present concealed, violent wrath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A gift in secret averts anger; and a concealed bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A gift in secret pacifies anger; but he who is sparing with his gifts stirs wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A gift in secret removes wrath and he that spares giving arouses anger.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A gift in secret pacifieth anger, And a present in the bosom strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A secret gift calms anger: but he that forbears to give stirs up strong wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/21-14.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=4246" 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/21.htm">The King's Heart</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4976.htm" title="4976: mat·tān (N-ms) -- A gift. From nathan; a present.">A gift</a> <a href="/hebrew/5643.htm" title="5643: bas·sê·ṯer (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A covering, hiding place, secrecy. Or cithrah,; from cathar; a cover.">in secret</a> <a href="/hebrew/3711.htm" title="3711: yiḵ·peh- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To subdue. A primitive root; properly, to bend, i.e. to tame or subdue.">soothes</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’āp̄ (N-ms) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">anger,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2436.htm" title="2436: ba·ḥêq (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Bosom. Or cheq; and chowq; from an unused root, apparently meaning to inclose; the bosom.">and a covert</a> <a href="/hebrew/7810.htm" title="7810: wə·šō·ḥaḏ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A present, bribe. From shachad; a donation.">bribe</a> <a href="/hebrew/5794.htm" title="5794: ‘az·zāh (Adj-fs) -- Strong, mighty, fierce. From azaz; strong, vehement, harsh.">pacifies great</a> <a href="/hebrew/2534.htm" title="2534: ḥê·māh (N-fs) -- Heat, rage. Or chemac; from yacham; heat; figuratively, anger, poison.">wrath.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.…<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="/matthew/5-23.htm">Matthew 5:23-24</a></span><br />So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Genesis 32:20-21</a></span><br />You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” For he thought, “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me.” / So Jacob’s gifts went on before him, while he spent the night in the camp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-18.htm">1 Samuel 25:18-35</a></span><br />Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys / and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. / As Abigail came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, she saw David and his men coming down toward her, and she met them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a></span><br />Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7</a></span><br />Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-10.htm">Genesis 33:10-11</a></span><br />But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably. / Please accept my gift that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” So Jacob pressed him until he accepted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-9.htm">Luke 16:9</a></span><br />I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-8.htm">1 Peter 4:8</a></span><br />Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16</a></span><br />A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1-4</a></span><br />“Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. / So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18</a></span><br />Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8</a></span><br />A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-33.htm">Luke 12:33-34</a></span><br />Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20</a></span><br />On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4</a></span><br />If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A gift in secret pacifies anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.</p><p class="hdg">gift</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17,8,23</a></b></br> He that loveth pleasure <i>shall be</i> a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16</a></b></br> A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-6.htm">Proverbs 19:6</a></b></br> Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man <i>is</i> a friend to him that giveth gifts.</p><p class="hdg">in secret</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/6-3.htm">Matthew 6:3,4</a></b></br> But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Bosom</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Bribe</a> <a href="/psalms/109-29.htm">Cloak</a> <a href="/psalms/40-10.htm">Concealed</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Feelings</a> <a href="/psalms/78-70.htm">Folds</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-15.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/124-3.htm">Heat</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-14.htm">Money</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-14.htm">Pacifieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Present</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/psalms/144-2.htm">Subdues</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Vehement</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/21-19.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-19.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-15.htm">Bosom</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Bribe</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-4.htm">Cloak</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-26.htm">Concealed</a> <a href="/songs/5-4.htm">Feelings</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm">Folds</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-14.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Great</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-11.htm">Heat</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Money</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Pacifieth</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-7.htm">Present</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-4.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/songs/5-3.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-15.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-2.htm">Subdues</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/songs/8-6.htm">Vehement</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">The king's heart in the hand of the Lord</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 act of giving a gift in secret suggests a discreet approach to resolving conflicts, emphasizing humility and the desire to mend relationships without seeking public recognition. This aligns with the biblical principle of humility and peacemaking, as seen in <a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a>, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." The concept of a secret gift can also be connected to Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/6-3.htm">Matthew 6:3-4</a> about giving in secret, which underscores the importance of sincerity and the heart's intention over public acknowledgment.<p><b>and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath</b><br>The term "covert bribe" here is not an endorsement of unethical behavior but rather an observation of human nature and societal practices. In the historical context, bribes were often used to influence decisions and outcomes, a practice that was prevalent in many ancient cultures, including Israel. The Bible frequently warns against corruption and injustice, as seen in <a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a>, "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent." However, this proverb acknowledges the reality that such actions can temporarily defuse intense anger or wrath. It serves as a cautionary note about the power of material influence and the potential moral compromise involved. The phrase also highlights the need for wisdom and discernment in navigating complex social interactions, echoing the broader biblical theme of seeking God's guidance in all matters.<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 insights into human behavior and relationships are reflected in this verse.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of this proverb is rooted in ancient Israel, where social and legal systems often involved personal interactions and negotiations.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/gift-giving.htm">Gift-giving</a></b><br>In the context of this verse, gift-giving is a practice used to influence emotions and resolve conflicts, a common custom in ancient Near Eastern cultures.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_discretion.htm">The Power of Discretion</a></b><br>The verse highlights the importance of discretion in resolving conflicts. A gift given in secret can be a wise and tactful way to soothe anger without causing public embarrassment or further conflict.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_human_nature.htm">Understanding Human Nature</a></b><br>Recognizing that people can be influenced by thoughtful gestures helps us navigate relationships more effectively. This understanding can lead to more harmonious interactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/ethical_considerations.htm">Ethical Considerations</a></b><br>While the verse acknowledges the effectiveness of gifts in pacifying anger, it also raises questions about the ethics of such actions. Believers are encouraged to consider the motives and potential consequences of their actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/conflict_resolution.htm">Conflict Resolution</a></b><br>The principle of using gifts to soothe anger can be applied in modern contexts as a metaphor for using kindness and generosity to resolve disputes and build bridges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_relationships.htm">Wisdom in Relationships</a></b><br>Applying wisdom in our interactions, as Solomon advises, can lead to more peaceful and productive relationships. This involves being thoughtful and intentional in our actions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_fame.htm">What does the Bible say about seeking fame?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_chastity_show_spiritual_purity.htm">What does the Bible say about bribery?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_personal_prophecy.htm">What defines personal prophecy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_the_third_eye.htm">What does the Bible say about the third eye?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">A gift in secret.--</span>Comp. Abigail and David (<a href="/1_samuel/25-18.htm" title="Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses.">1Samuel 25:18</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A gift in secret pacifieth anger</span>. We have had above various maxims about bribes and presents; <span class="accented">e.g.</span> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Proverbs 17:8, 23</a>; <a href="/proverbs/18-16.htm">Proverbs 18:16</a>. The word translated "pacifieth" is from the <span class="greek">ἅπαξ λεγόμενον</span> verb <span class="hebrew">כֵפָה</span>, "to turn away," "avert." Septuagint, <span class="greek">ἀνατρέπει</span>; Vulgate, <span class="accented">extinguit</span>; Venetian, <span class="greek">κάμψει</span>. A gift offered secretly to one incensed, whether personal enemy, judge, or prince, averts the consequences of the offence. The next hemistich is parallel in meaning. <span class="cmt_word">And a reward</span> (<span class="accented">present</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>in the bosom strong wrath.</span> A present kept handy in the bosom of the petitioner's garment, ready to be transferred at a fitting moment, as experience proves, calms the most violent wrath. Septuagint, "He that is sparing of gifts amuses strong wrath." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/21-14.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">A gift</span><br /><span class="heb">מַתָּ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(mat·tān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4976.htm">Strong's 4976: </a> </span><span class="str2">A present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in secret</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּ֭סֵּתֶר</span> <span class="translit">(bas·sê·ṯer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5643.htm">Strong's 5643: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covering, hiding place, secrecy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">soothes</span><br /><span class="heb">יִכְפֶּה־</span> <span class="translit">(yiḵ·peh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3711.htm">Strong's 3711: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bend, to tame, subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">anger,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֑ף</span> <span class="translit">(’āp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a covert</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּ֝חֵ֗ק</span> <span class="translit">(ba·ḥêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | 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">bribe</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשֹׁ֥חַד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šō·ḥaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7810.htm">Strong's 7810: </a> </span><span class="str2">A present, bribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[pacifies] great</span><br /><span class="heb">עַזָּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘az·zāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5794.htm">Strong's 5794: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strong, vehement, harsh</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wrath.</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵמָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥê·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2534.htm">Strong's 2534: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heat, anger, poison</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret pacifies anger (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 21:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/21-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 21:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:15" /></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>