11:25

In most of the proverbs in chapters 10–15, the parallel parts contrast in meaning. Here the parallel parts are similar in meaning.

25a
A generous soul will prosper ;

25b and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Both lines speak about the rewards of being generous to others.

11:25a

A generous soul will prosper: The meaning of this line is similar to 11:24a. The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as A generous soul is literally “soul of blessing.” It refers to a person who blesses needy people. He does this by showing them kindness and generously giving them gifts to help them.

will prosper: In Hebrew, will prosper is literally “will be made fat.” This expression is used literally of raising fat, healthy animals. In this context, it should be understood figuratively to refer to prosperity as well as good health and satisfaction. Most versions translate this word similarly to the way the Berean Standard Bible does. The New Living Translation (1996) expresses the meaning of the Hebrew word more broadly by saying:

The generous prosper and are satisfied (New Living Translation (1996))

11:25b

he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed: In Hebrew, this line is literally “he who waters will himself also be watered.” There are two ways to interpret this line:

(1) This line has a figurative meaning. It is a metaphor that compares a person who refreshes or helps needy people to someone who thoroughly waters parched farmland. For example:

those who help others will themselves be helped (New Century Version)

(2) This line has a literal meaning. It refers to someone who gives a thirsty person a drink of water. For example:

and one who gives water will get water (New Revised Standard Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with most versions.

will himself be refreshed: This is a passive phrase. In some languages, it may be more natural to use an active verb and supply a subject. The implied subject is probably other people in general. For example:

and if a person helps others, ⌊there will also be people⌋ who help him

General Comment on 11:25a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts of both lines. See 11:25a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.

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