Proverbs 16 · Verse 33

Proverbs 16:33

The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
Proverbs 16:33, King James Version

Proverbs 16:33 in other translations

BSBThe lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
WEBThe lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
ASVThe lot is cast into the lap; But the whole disposing thereof is of Jehovah.
YLTInto the centre is the lot cast, And from Jehovah is all its judgment!
DARBYThe lot is cast into the lap; but the whole decision is of Jehovah.
BBEA thing may be put to the decision of chance, but it comes about through the Lord.
WebsterThe lot is cast into the lap: but the whole disposing of it is from the LORD.

What does Proverbs 16:33 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
33. Seemingly the most fortuitous events are ordered by God.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 33 The lot is cast into the lap - On the lot, see the note on Num 26:55. How far it may be proper now to put difficult matters to the lot, after earnest prayer and supplication, I cannot say. Formerly, it was both lawful and efficient; for after it was solemnly cast, the decision was taken as coming immediately from the Lord. It is still practiced, and its use is allowed even by writers on civil law. But those who need most to have recourse to the lot are those who have not piety to pray nor faith to trust to God for a positive decision. The lot should never be resorted to in indifferent matters; they should be those of the greatest importance, in which it appears impossible for human prudence or foresight to determine. In such cases the lot is an appeal to God, and he disposes of it according to his goodness, mercy, and truth. The result, therefore, cannot be fortuitous.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
All the disposal of Providence concerning our affairs, we must look upon to be the determining what we referred to God; and we must be reconciled to them accordingly. Blessed are those that give themselves up to the will of God; for he knows what is good for them.

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain

Proverbs 16:33 in the original Hebrew

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

בַּ֭חֵיקBa.cheikin the bosomH2436
יוּטַ֣לyu.Talit is thrownH2904
אֶת\־'et-<obj.>H853
הַגּוֹרָ֑לha.go.Ralthe lotH1486
וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗הvu.me.Yah.wehand [is] from YahwehH3068
כָּל\־kol-everyH3605
מִשְׁפָּטֽוֹ\׃mish.pa.Todecision itsH4941

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Proverbs 16:33

  • Proverbs 18:18

    The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

  • Jonah 1:7

    And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

  • Acts 1:26

    And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

  • Proverbs 29:26

    Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord.

  • 1 Samuel 14:41-42

    Therefore Saul said unto the Lord God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.

  • Nehemiah 11:1

    And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

  • Joshua 18:5

    And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north.

  • Joshua 7:14

    In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the Lord taketh shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the Lord shall take shall come by households; and the household which the Lord shall take shall come man by man.

  • Numbers 26:55-65

    Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit. According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few. And these are they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites. These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begat Amram. …

  • Joshua 18:10

    And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Nu 26:55-65; Jos 7:14; 18:5,10; 1Sa 14:41,42; Ne 11:1; Jon 1:7
Ac 1:26

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • Proverbs 16:32

    He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

  • Proverbs 16:33

    The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.

Read all of Proverbs 16

Proverbs 16:33 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		La suerte se echa en el seno: mas de Jehová es el juicio de ella.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		On jette le sort dans le giron, mais toute décision est de par l’ Éternel.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Das Los wird in dem Busen geworfen, aber all seine Entscheidung kommt von Jehova.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Sortes mittuntur in sinum, sed a Domino temperantur.