As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

PROVERBS 25:13KJV
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Proverbs 25:13 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 25:13 mean?

Proverbs 25:13 compares a trustworthy messenger to the refreshing cold of snow during harvest time, saying that such a person brings relief and encouragement to those who send him. The verse highlights how valuable and uplifting it is for someone in charge to have a dependable person carry out their message or task.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings attributed to Solomon, addressed to anyone seeking practical wisdom. The image of snow in harvest would have been understood as a rare and welcome coolness during a hot, exhausting season, making the point that a faithful messenger (someone who can be relied on to deliver news or tasks accurately) is just as refreshing and beneficial to those who depend on him.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 25:13

  • "cold" (צִנָּה, tsinnah): This word often refers to a coolness or chill, especially one that is refreshing. In the context of harvest, it suggests a welcome relief from heat.
  • "snow" (שֶׁלֶג, sheleg): Snow was rare in Israel, especially at harvest time, so the mention here emphasizes something unexpected and especially refreshing.
  • "faithful" (אֱמוּנָה, ’emunah): This word means reliable, trustworthy, or dependable. The proverb praises the kind of messenger who can be counted on to deliver messages accurately.
  • "refresheth" (יָשִׁיב, yashiv): This verb means to restore or revive. The idea is that the faithful messenger lifts the spirits and energy of those who sent him.

Why Proverbs 25:13 matters

  • Proverbs 25:13 clears up the image by showing that the comparison is not about snow being cold and unpleasant, but about it being a rare and welcome relief during a hot harvest—so the focus is on refreshment, not discomfort.
  • The verse emphasizes the value of dependability, especially in communication or carrying out responsibilities, showing that trustworthiness is not just a virtue but a real benefit to others.
  • In the wider context of Proverbs, this saying fits with the theme of practical wisdom for daily life, highlighting the importance of character and reliability in relationships and work.

Where else these words appear

“messenger” Hebrew H6735 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Samuel 4:19 And his daughter in law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her.
  • Isaiah 13:8 And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.
  • Isaiah 57:9 And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell.

“cold” Hebrew H6793 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:15 And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target.
  • Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

“snow” Hebrew H7950 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 4:6 And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
  • Job 9:30 If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
  • Psalms 148:8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

“harvest” Hebrew H7105 · used in 49 verses

  • Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
  • 1 Samuel 6:13 And they of Bethshemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.
  • Isaiah 16:9 Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.