He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

PROVERBS 17:9KJV
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Proverbs 17:9 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 17:9 mean?

Proverbs 17:9 teaches that someone who forgives and does not keep bringing up another person’s mistake is seeking to build a loving relationship, while someone who keeps repeating or spreading the matter causes division, even between close friends. The verse highlights the power of how we handle others’ faults to either heal or harm relationships.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are wise observations about life, likely collected by King Solomon for the people of Israel. Proverbs 17:9 addresses everyday situations where someone has been wronged or witnessed a fault. The verse points out that choosing to “cover” or let go of a transgression is an act of seeking love, while repeating the issue—talking about it again or spreading it—can break even strong friendships.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 17:9

  • “covereth” (כָּסָה, kasah): This word means to conceal or hide. In this context, it does not mean ignoring wrongdoing but choosing not to expose or dwell on someone’s mistake, which helps preserve relationships.
  • “transgression” (פֶּשַׁע, pesha): This word refers to a serious offense or rebellion, not just a minor slip. The verse is about significant wrongs, not trivial matters.
  • “repeateth” (שָׁנָה, shanah): This means to do again or to repeat. Here, it refers to bringing up the matter repeatedly or spreading it around, which can stir up trouble.
  • “friends” (אַח, ach): Literally “brother,” this word often means a close companion or friend. The verse warns that even strong bonds can be broken by gossip or repeated mention of faults.

Why Proverbs 17:9 matters

  • Proverbs 17:9 clarifies that forgiveness is not about pretending nothing happened, but about choosing not to keep revisiting or broadcasting someone’s mistake.
  • The verse warns that gossip or repeatedly bringing up past wrongs can destroy even the closest relationships, emphasizing the value of discretion and mercy.
  • This proverb fits into a larger biblical theme about the power of words and the importance of protecting relationships through kindness and restraint.

Where else these words appear

“repeateth” Hebrew H8138 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 41:32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
  • Nehemiah 13:21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.
  • Psalms 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

“separateth” Hebrew H6504 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 2:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
  • Deuteronomy 32:8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
  • Job 41:17 They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.

“friends” Hebrew H441 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 36:15 These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz,
  • Genesis 36:41 Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,
  • Psalms 144:14 That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.

“love” Hebrew H160 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 29:20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
  • Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
  • Song of Solomon 8:4 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.