In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

PROVERBS 16:15KJV
Know the Bible

Proverbs 16:15 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 16:15 mean?

Proverbs 16:15 says that when a king is pleased and shows a friendly face, it brings life and hope to his people, just like a refreshing rain after a dry season. The verse compares the king’s favor to a life-giving cloud that brings much-needed rain, showing how important a ruler’s goodwill can be.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings in the book of Proverbs, likely written for young leaders or those seeking wisdom. The verse uses the image of a king’s “countenance” (his face or expression) to show how a ruler’s mood or attitude can deeply affect those around him. The mention of “latter rain” refers to the spring rains in Israel, which were crucial for crops and survival, making the king’s favor feel just as vital and renewing.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 16:15

  • “Light” (אוֹר, ’or): This word means brightness or radiance. Here, it suggests the king’s face shining with approval, which brings encouragement and hope.
  • “Countenance” (פָּנִים, panim): This is the Hebrew word for face or presence. The verse emphasizes that the king’s visible attitude—his expression—signals life or death to his subjects.
  • “Favour” (רָצוֹן, ratson): This word means pleasure, goodwill, or acceptance. The proverb highlights how valuable and refreshing it is when someone in authority is pleased with you.
  • “Cloud” (עָב, av) and “Rain” (מַלְקוֹשׁ, malkosh): These words refer to the clouds and the “latter rain,” the spring rain that was essential for a good harvest in ancient Israel. The comparison shows just how vital the king’s favor is, like rain that sustains life.

Why Proverbs 16:15 matters

  • Proverbs 16:15 helps clear up that a ruler’s attitude is not just a private matter; it has real consequences for the well-being of others, much like weather can affect an entire land.
  • The verse emphasizes the power of kindness and approval from those in authority, showing that their favor can be as life-giving as rain to crops.
  • By connecting the king’s favor to the “latter rain,” the proverb ties leadership to the rhythms of nature and survival, reminding readers how deeply people depend on those who govern them.

Where else these words appear

“rain” Hebrew H4456 · used in 8 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:14 That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.
  • Jeremiah 3:3 Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed.
  • Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

“cloud” Hebrew H5645 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 19:9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.
  • Job 30:15 Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud.
  • Ecclesiastes 11:3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.

“favour” Hebrew H7522 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
  • Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

“light” Hebrew H216 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
  • Job 36:30 Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.
  • Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.