Proverbs 16:33
in Proverbs 16The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
BSB
The same verse in ASV and KJV ▾
ASV
The lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah.
KJV
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
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This verse in Proverbs 16
Commentary
5 notes on this verseA commentator
Albert Barnes1798–1870
Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments (1832-1869)
Disposing - Better, the judgment or sentence which depends upon the lot. The lots were thrown into the gathered folds of a robe, and then drawn out. Where everything seemed the merest chance, there the faithful Israelite teacher recognized the guidance of a higher will. Compare the case of Achan Jos 7:18, and of Jonathan 1Sa 14:37-42. The process here described would seem to have been employed ordinarily in trials where the judges could not decide on the facts before them (compare Pro 18:18).
This site's exposition
The lot is cast into the lap
“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” closes the chapter on the claim that opened it. The book of Esther enacts this providence without naming God, as Haman's own lot, the pur, falls on a day that became Israel's deliverance.
The record, by era
The Medieval Church1 voice
Lots are cast into the lap, etc. Just as lots are openly cast into the lap and kept secret in the lap, it is the divine judge's part to decide whose lot will be taken up; so the deeds of men are indeed visible to …
The Puritans and the Awakening1 voice
The lot is cast into the lap,....
The Nineteenth Century1 voice
The lot is cast into the lap - On the lot, see the note on Num 26:55. How far it may be proper now to put difficult matters to the lot, after earnest prayer and supplication, I cannot say. Formerly, it was both lawful and efficient; for after it was solemnly cast, the decision was taken as coming immediately from the Lord. It is still practiced, and its use is allowed even by writers on civil law. But those who need most to have recourse to the lot are those who have not piety to pray nor faith to trust to God for a positive decision. The lot should never be resorted to in indifferent matters; they should be those of the greatest importance, in which it appears impossible for human prudence or foresight to determine. In such cases the lot is an appeal to God, and he disposes of it according to his goodness, mercy, and truth. The result, therefore, cannot be fortuitous.
The words behind it
7 Hebrew wordsEvery Hebrew word of this verse in the order it stands, with what it means and the door to its own study. The last column counts the times a word stands in the whole Bible: the rarer the word, the more the places it appears belong together.
| Hebrew | Sound | Meaning | Word study | In the Bible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| בַּ֭חֵיק | bacheik | in the bosom | H2436 → | 38 times |
| יוּטַ֣ל | yutal | it is thrown | H2904 → | |
| אֶת־ | ʾet- | <obj.> | H853 → | 10935 times |
| הַגּוֹרָ֑ל | hagoral | the lot | H1486 → | 78 times |
| וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה | vumeyahweh | and [is] from Yahweh | H3068 → | 6520 times |
| כָּל־ | kol- | every | H3605 → | 5413 times |
| מִשְׁפָּטֽוֹ׃ | mishpato | decision its | H4941 → | 422 times |
בַּ֭חֵיקin the bosom
bacheikH2436 →38 times
יוּטַ֣לit is thrown
yutalH2904 →
אֶת־<obj.>
ʾet-H853 →10935 times
הַגּוֹרָ֑לthe lot
hagoralH1486 →78 times
וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗הand [is] from Yahweh
vumeyahwehH3068 →6520 times
כָּל־every
kol-H3605 →5413 times
מִשְׁפָּטֽוֹ׃decision its
mishpatoH4941 →422 times
A shaded row is a word that stands 400 times or fewer in the Bible.
The walk
8 stopsEach card is a verse this one points to, and under it the verses that one points to in turn. Where several paths arrive at the same place, that place is listed first: the text keeps returning to it.
Through
Proverbs 29:26Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.
it leads to
- Proverbs 19:6
Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.
- Proverbs 19:21
Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
- Psalms 20:9
O LORD, save the king. Answer us on the day we call.
- Psalms 62:12
and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds.
- Isaiah 46:9–11
Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.
- Proverbs 19:6
Through
Jonah 1:7“Come!” said the sailors to one another. “Let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.
it leads to
- Joshua 7:13–18
Get up and consecrate the people, saying, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Among you, O Israel, there are things devoted to destruction. You cannot…
- Numbers 32:23
But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out.
- Joshua 7:13–18
Through
Acts 1:26Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
it leads to
- Leviticus 16:8
After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat,
- Leviticus 16:8
Where this verse is studied
On this page
Studies11
On this chapter
About Proverbs
This page draws on Adam Clarke, Commentary on the Bible; Albert Barnes, Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments (1832-1869); Bede, Commentary on Proverbs; John Gill, Exposition of the Old Testament; John Gill, Exposition of the Old Testament (1748-1763) and Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible.