Proverbs 27:26 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 27:26 mean?

Proverbs 27:26 says that lambs will provide you with clothing, and goats can be sold to pay for a field. The verse points out the practical value of livestock, showing how caring for animals brings real, everyday benefits like clothing and income.

This proverb comes from a section where wise advice is given about paying attention to your flocks and herds. The speaker is offering practical wisdom, likely to young men or heads of households, about the importance of diligent stewardship. The verse highlights how, in ancient Israel, livestock were not just animals but essential resources for meeting basic needs.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 27:26

• "lambs" (כְּבָשִׂים, kevashim): This word refers specifically to young sheep, which were prized for their wool. The mention of lambs emphasizes the direct link between tending animals and having material goods like clothing.
• "clothing" (לְלְבוּשֶׁךָ, lelbushekha): This word means garments or clothing. The verse points out that wool from lambs was a main source of fabric for making clothes in that time.
• "goats" (עַתּוּדִים, attudim): This word refers to male goats, which were valuable for trade or sale. Goats were often sold to buy land or other necessities.
• "price" (מְחִיר, mekhir): This word means price or payment. It highlights that goats could be exchanged for something as significant as a field, showing their economic value.
• "field" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh): This word means a cultivated field or farmland. Owning a field was a sign of stability and provision in ancient life.

Why Proverbs 27:26 matters

• Proverbs 27:26 clarifies that wealth in biblical times was often measured in practical terms—like animals, clothing, and land—rather than coins or money.
• The verse emphasizes the importance of responsible care for resources, connecting the work of tending flocks directly to the ability to provide for one's family.
• This proverb fits into a larger passage (verses 23–27) that encourages careful attention to one's responsibilities, showing that wise management leads to lasting provision.