The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

PROVERBS 27:7KJV
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Proverbs 27:7 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 27:7 mean?

Proverbs 27:7 says that a person who is satisfied and full does not desire even something as sweet as honey, but someone who is hungry finds even bitter things appealing. This verse uses a simple picture from everyday life to show how our circumstances shape what we value or desire.

In Proverbs 27:7, the writer (traditionally Solomon) speaks to anyone willing to listen, using the image of food to make a broader point about human nature. The verse contrasts a "full soul"—someone whose needs are met—with a "hungry soul," showing how hunger changes a person's perspective. The proverb invites readers to notice how satisfaction or need can change what we find attractive or acceptable.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 27:7

  • "Full" (שָׂבֵעַ, savea): This word means someone who is satisfied or has had enough, not just physically but in any area of life. It highlights that the issue is about being content, not just about food.
  • "Soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): Used twice here, this word often means "life" or "self," not just the inner spirit. It emphasizes that the proverb is talking about a person's whole being.
  • "Loatheth" (בוּס, bus): This verb means to trample on or despise. It shows that the satisfied person doesn't just ignore the honeycomb but actively rejects it.
  • "Honeycomb" (נֹפֶת, nophet): This is the literal honeycomb, a prized sweet in ancient Israel. Its mention underscores how even the best things can lose their appeal to someone who is already satisfied.
  • "Hungry" (רָעֵב, raev): This word means someone who is in real need, not just a little hungry. It sharpens the contrast with the "full soul."
  • "Bitter thing" (מָרוֹר, maror): This means something unpleasant or harsh. The verse points out that need can make even the unpleasant seem desirable.
  • "Sweet" (מָתוֹק, matoq): This word means pleasant or delightful, showing how hunger changes perception.

Why Proverbs 27:7 matters

  • Proverbs 27:7 clears up the idea that value is fixed; it shows that what we desire or reject often depends on our current state, not just the thing itself.
  • The verse highlights how easily people can take good things for granted when they have plenty, and how desperation can make even difficult things seem good.
  • In the context of Proverbs, this saying fits with other observations about wisdom, contentment, and the dangers of excess or lack, encouraging readers to reflect on their own attitudes toward what they have or lack.

Where else these words appear

“honeycomb” Hebrew H5317 · used in 5 verses

  • Psalms 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
  • Proverbs 5:3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
  • Proverbs 24:13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

“full” Hebrew H7649 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 25:8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.
  • 1 Samuel 2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
  • Job 14:1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

“sweet” Hebrew H4966 · used in 11 verses

  • Judges 14:14 And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle.
  • Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
  • Ecclesiastes 11:7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:

“loatheth” Hebrew H947 · used in 12 verses

  • Psalms 44:5 Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
  • Isaiah 14:19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.
  • Jeremiah 12:10 Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.