Proverbs 27:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Human desire is insatiable, like the grave that never fills.
The Context of Proverbs 27:20
A warning about the insatiable nature of human desire and greed.
What Does Proverbs 27:20 Mean?
Hell (Sheol) and destruction are personified as endless, never satisfied appetite. The grave always makes room for more; it is never full. Human eyes—a symbol of desire—work the same way: no amount of seeing, having, or experiencing brings permanent satisfaction.
This speaks to the nature of unchecked coveting and greed. The more we acquire, the more we crave. Only a deliberate reorientation of desire toward what truly sustains—wisdom, relationship, virtue—can interrupt this endless hunger.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 27:20
What does Proverbs 27:20 mean?
Human desire is insatiable, like the grave that never fills.
What is the context of Proverbs 27:20?
A warning about the insatiable nature of human desire and greed.