Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Proverbs - Chapter 21 - Verse 1

21:1
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Meaning

Within the book of Proverbs in the Bible, there is a verse that speaks to the power and sovereignty of God over earthly kings. The verse asserts that the heart of the king is held in the hand of the Lord, who can guide it in whichever direction He chooses. Just as rivers of water can be redirected by the divine will of God, so too can the decisions and actions of a king be influenced by the Almighty. This imagery highlights the control and authority that God has over the rulers of the world, reminding believers that ultimately, it is God who is in control of all things, including the hearts and actions of powerful individuals. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the overarching power and dominion of God over the affairs of mankind, instilling a sense of trust and reliance on His ultimate plan and purpose.

Theological Overview

The verse "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will" from Proverbs 21:1 emphasizes the sovereignty of God over the hearts and decisions of earthly rulers. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights how God has ultimate control over the hearts of kings, guiding them in the direction that aligns with His divine will. This passage serves as a reminder that even the most powerful human leaders are subject to the divine authority of God. In a word study of this verse, the phrase "as the rivers of water" emphasizes the idea of fluidity and movement, indicating the ease with which God can influence and direct the hearts of kings. Overall, this verse underscores the overarching power and control that God holds over the affairs of the world, including the decisions made by those in positions of authority.

Next Verse