The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

PROVERBS 20:27KJV
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Proverbs 20:27 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 20:27 mean?

Proverbs 20:27 says that a person’s spirit is like a lamp or candle that the LORD uses to search deep inside, revealing a person’s innermost thoughts and motives. This verse teaches that nothing inside a person is hidden from God, because He can see and understand every part of us.

In Proverbs, King Solomon is sharing wisdom with his readers, often addressing anyone seeking understanding about life and character. Here, he uses the image of a candle or lamp to describe how God uses the human spirit to examine what is truly inside a person, even the most hidden parts. The verse highlights the idea that God’s knowledge of us goes far beyond what is visible on the outside.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 20:27

  • The word for "spirit" is נְשָׁמָה (neshamah), which often means breath or the inner life force of a person. This points to the deepest, most essential part of a human being.
  • "Candle" is נֵר (ner), meaning lamp or light. In ancient times, a lamp was used to search dark places, so this image suggests careful examination and illumination of what is hidden.
  • "Searching" is חֹפֵשׂ (chopheis), which means to search out or examine thoroughly. This emphasizes the thoroughness with which God examines the inner life.
  • "Parts" is חַדְרֵי (chadrei), meaning inner rooms or chambers, and "belly" is בֶּטֶן (beten), which can refer to the innermost being. Together, these words stress the idea of the deepest, most private places within a person.

Why Proverbs 20:27 matters

  • Proverbs 20:27 clears up the idea that people can hide their true selves from God; it emphasizes that God sees and understands even our most private thoughts and feelings.
  • The verse highlights the value the Bible places on inner character, not just outward actions, reminding readers that what is inside matters deeply to God.
  • This proverb connects to the larger theme in Proverbs of wisdom involving both the heart and actions, showing that true understanding and integrity begin with what is inside a person.

Where else these words appear

“searching” Hebrew H2664 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 31:35 And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images.
  • 1 Kings 22:30 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle.
  • Psalms 77:6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

“spirit” Hebrew H5397 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
  • 1 Kings 15:29 And it came to pass, when he reigned, that he smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite:
  • Job 37:10 By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.

“parts” Hebrew H2315 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 43:30 And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.
  • 1 Kings 20:30 But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and there a wall fell upon twenty and seven thousand of the men that were left. And Benhadad fled, and came into the city, into an inner chamber.
  • Proverbs 7:27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

“candle” Hebrew H5216 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 25:37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
  • Numbers 8:3 And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • Job 18:6 The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him.