Proverbs 20:27 Meaning and Explanation
“The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The human spirit, as God's light, penetrates deeply into the innermost parts of a person.
The Context of Proverbs 20:27
Proverbs emphasizes that God's knowledge of humanity is complete, extending to what is hidden even from others.
What Does Proverbs 20:27 Mean?
The spirit of man functions like a candle—a light that illuminates. But this light is the candle of the Lord, meaning it comes from God's presence within the person. God's light penetrates the inner life, the hidden places that others cannot see.
This light searches all the inward parts—the deepest recesses of motive, intention, and desire. Nothing is hidden from this divine scrutiny; what lies in the belly (the seat of feeling and desire) is exposed to God's light. The verse establishes that God's awareness extends to the innermost places of the human soul.
Proverbs 20:27 in the Original Language
'Candle' (נֵר, ner) — a lamp or light; here representing the spirit as a vehicle of divine illumination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 20:27
What does Proverbs 20:27 mean?
The human spirit, as God's light, penetrates deeply into the innermost parts of a person.
What is the context of Proverbs 20:27?
Proverbs emphasizes that God's knowledge of humanity is complete, extending to what is hidden even from others.