The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that the "terror" of a king isn't just a feeling he inspires, but the dread that approaches when he's angry, like a lion about to strike. Provoking this dangerous fury isn't merely a political misstep; the Hebrew word translated "sinneth against his own soul" implies a profound self-harm, exposing one's very life to peril.
The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes right after a description of how a foolish person continues in strife, often bringing ruin upon themselves. It paints a picture of earthly rulers, like a lion, whose anger is a serious warning, suggesting that provoking a king to rage is an act that puts your very life in extreme danger. This sobering thought sets the stage for the verses that follow, which contrast foolish meddling with wise discretion.
Kings in ancient times wielded immense power, and their anger could mean swift and severe consequences. Why is a king's wrath compared to a lion's roar?
The verse uses a powerful simile: 'The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion.' This isn't just about a king being grumpy; it's about the deep-seated fear his authority inspires.
A Force of Nature
A lion's roar isn't just noise; it's a primal warning of danger, a declaration of power. Similarly, a king's displeasure could signal impending doom for his subjects. This comparison highlights the raw, often untamed, nature of absolute power and the real peril faced by those who crossed the king.
It's one thing to fear a king, but what happens when you actively stir up his anger? The consequences are stark.
The second part of the verse delivers a clear warning: 'whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.' This isn't a suggestion; it's a statement of deadly consequence.
The Cost of Defiance
To 'provoke' means to intentionally incite, to deliberately push someone over the edge. In this context, it means disrespecting, defying, or challenging the king's authority in a way that triggers his wrath.
The result? 'Forfeits his life.' This could mean literal death, or at the very least, the loss of all security, possessions, and well-being. The Hebrew word for 'soul' here strongly implies one's life itself. It's a stark reminder that challenging legitimate, albeit terrifying, authority comes at an extremely high price.
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This passage directly parallels the idea, stating 'A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass,' reinforcing the severe danger of provoking a ruler.
Romans 13:1-5This New Testament passage explains that governing authorities are established by God, and resisting them is resisting God's ordinance, which carries serious consequences for one's soul and societal order.
1 Peter 5:8This verse describes the devil as 'a roaring lion' seeking to devour, drawing a parallel between the terrifying, destructive power of an angry king and the adversary who seeks to destroy lives.
Habakkuk 2:10This verse speaks of rulers bringing shame upon themselves and their households by plotting evil and acting with extreme violence, echoing the destructive nature of unchecked royal anger.
bensonProverbs 20:2: "The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul."
Proverbs 20:2-3 . The fear of a king, &c. — See on Proverbs 16:14 ; Proverbs 19:12 . It is an honour to a man to cease from strife — Either to prevent it, or, if it be begun, to put an end to it: which, although proud and profane persons esteem dishonourable to them, would indeed be their glory, because it would be an evidence of their wisdom and power over their passions,…
ellicottProverbs 20:2: "The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul."
(2) The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion, i.e., the dread which he casts upon others when he is becoming angry is a warning of approaching. danger. Sinneth against his own soul—i.e., against his own life.
This verse highlights that the "terror" of a king isn't just a feeling he inspires, but the dread that approaches when he's angry, like a lion about to strike. Provoking this dangerous fury isn't merely a political misstep; the Hebrew word translated "sinneth against his own soul" implies a profound self-harm, exposing one's very life to peril.
This verse comes right after a description of how a foolish person continues in strife, often bringing ruin upon themselves. It paints a picture of earthly rulers, like a lion, whose anger is a serious warning, suggesting that provoking a king to rage is an act that puts your very life in extreme danger. This sobering thought sets the stage for the verses that follow, which contrast foolish meddling with wise discretion.
This verse comes right after a description of how a foolish person continues in strife, often bringing ruin upon themselves. It paints a picture of earthly rulers, like a lion, whose anger is a serious warning, suggesting that provoking a king to rage is an act that puts your very life in extreme danger. This sobering thought sets the stage for the verses that follow, which contrast foolish meddling with wise discretion.
"The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life." — This verse highlights that the "terror" of a king isn't just a feeling he inspires, but the dread that approaches when he's angry, like a lion about to strike. Provoking this dangerous fury isn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026