Proverbs 25:21
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
If your enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
American King James Version (AKJV)
If your enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
American Standard Version (ASV)
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Basic English Translation (BBE)
If your hater is in need of food, give him bread; and if he is in need of drink, give him water:
Webster's Revision
If thy enemy shall hunger, give him bread to eat; and if he shall thirst, give him water to drink:
World English Bible
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink:
English Revised Version (ERV)
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Clarke's Proverbs 25:21 Bible Commentary
If thine enemy be hungry - See this and the next verse explained, Romans 12:20 (note).
Barnes's Proverbs 25:21 Bible Commentary
A precept reproduced by Paul Romans 12:20; the second clause of which seems at first sight to suggest a motive incompatible with a true charity. Leviticus 16:12 suggests an explanation. The high priest on the Day of Atonement was to take his censer, to fill it with "coals of fire," and then to put the incense thereon for a sweet-smelling savor. So it is here. The first emotion in another caused by the good done to him may be one of burning shame, but the shame will do its work and the heart also will burn, and prayer and confession and thanksgiving will rise as incense to the throne of God. Thus, "we shall overcome evil with good."
Wesley's Proverbs 25:21 Bible Commentary
25:21 Bread - By bread and water he understands all things necessary for his subsistence.
