Proverbs 27:20
Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The profound insight here is that the same Hebrew word for "satisfied" is used for both the insatiable depths of Sheol and Abaddon, and the restless yearning of human eyes. This powerful linguistic echo reveals that our desires, just like the grave, are fundamentally unable to fill themselves, pointing to a deep spiritual hunger that only God can truly satisfy.
This proverb is part of a larger collection of wisdom, often presented as a series of sharp observations about life. It contrasts the insatiable nature of destruction (like the grave or hell) with the equally unquenchable desires of humanity, particularly expressed through the "eyes" or cravings for more. The surrounding verses continue to explore themes of greed, envy, and the futility of worldly pursuits, urging a focus on contentment and godly wisdom.
The verse paints a stark picture of two ancient concepts, Sheol and Abaddon. What do they represent, and why are they described as 'never satisfied'?
In ancient thought, Sheol and Abaddon represent the underworld, the realm of the dead, and ultimate destruction.
A Place of Constant Consumption
Sheol is the grave, the destination of all bodies, constantly consuming them. Abaddon is even more intense – it signifies ruin, a place of perishing, and a profound abyss.
Never Enough
These realms are described as 'never satisfied.' This isn't about a literal hunger, but about their unending nature. They are designed to take and consume, and they are always ready for more. No matter how many are taken, they remain empty, always awaiting the next. This imagery highlights the relentless and final nature of death and destruction.
The verse draws a striking parallel between the void of death and the inner world of human desire. Why are our eyes used as the symbol here?
The second half of the verse turns the mirror on ourselves: '...and never satisfied are the eyes of man.' This isn't just about physical sight, but about human desire and longing, which are often expressed and fueled through what we see.
The Lust of the Eyes
The 'eyes' here represent our desires, our cravings, and our constant pursuit of more. Whether it's for wealth, status, pleasure, or possessions, the human heart often finds itself in a perpetual state of wanting. We see something, we desire it, we obtain it, and then our eyes quickly turn to the next thing.
A Deeper Reflection
Just as Sheol and Abaddon are consuming voids, so too can our desires become consuming voids within us. This insatiable longing points to a fundamental truth: true and lasting satisfaction cannot be found in the endless pursuit of external things. The verse implies that we are designed for something more, something that can finally fill the emptiness.
Understand the original words
Sheol · Hebrew Noun
The place of the dead or the grave. In Old Testament theology, it represents the common destination of all, a place of stillness and darkness that stands in contrast to the fullness of life found in God's presence.
Abaddon · Hebrew Noun
A term often paired with Sheol that signifies destruction, ruin, or the place of the dead. It emphasizes the absolute reality of death and the insatiable nature of the grave to consume all life.
This passage directly parallels Proverbs 27:20, naming the greedy descendants of the leech ('Give me') as having two daughters, 'Give!' and 'Give!'. These insatiable demands echo the unfulfilled desires of man and the unending nature of Sheol and destruction.
Ecclesiastes 1:8This verse describes how 'all things are tiresome; man is unable to express it; the eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear enough of hearing.' This powerfully illustrates the theme of unending human desire presented in Proverbs 27:20, showing that this dissatisfaction is a deep, pervasive aspect of the human condition.
Isaiah 5:14The prophet describes Sheol widening its desire and opening its mouth beyond measure. This vivid imagery of an ever-consuming underworld directly mirrors the 'never satisfied' nature of both hell and man's desires in Proverbs 27:20, painting a stark picture of relentless craving.
1 John 2:16This New Testament passage speaks of 'the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,' all originating from the world. It connects directly to Proverbs 27:20 by identifying the 'lust of the eyes' as a key component of human dissatisfaction that is driven by worldly desires.
gillProverbs 27:20: "Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied."
Hell and destruction are never full,.... The grave, as the word used often signifies; and which may be called "destruction", because bodies laid in it are soon corrupted and destroyed; and though bodies are cast into it and devoured by it, it is ready for more; it is one of the four things which never have enough. The place where Gog is said to be buried is called Hamongog, the multitude of Gog, Ezeki…
jfbProverbs 27:20: "Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied."
- Men's cupidity is as insatiable as the grave.
The profound insight here is that the same Hebrew word for "satisfied" is used for both the insatiable depths of Sheol and Abaddon, and the restless yearning of human eyes. This powerful linguistic echo reveals that our desires, just like the grave, are fundamentally unable to fill themselves, pointing to a deep spiritual hunger that only God can truly satisfy.
This proverb is part of a larger collection of wisdom, often presented as a series of sharp observations about life. It contrasts the insatiable nature of destruction (like the grave or hell) with the equally unquenchable desires of humanity, particularly expressed through the "eyes" or cravings for more. The surrounding verses continue to explore themes of greed, envy, and the futility of worldly pursuits, urging a focus on contentment and godly wisdom.
This proverb is part of a larger collection of wisdom, often presented as a series of sharp observations about life. It contrasts the insatiable nature of destruction (like the grave or hell) with the equally unquenchable desires of humanity, particularly expressed through the "eyes" or cravings for more. The surrounding verses continue to explore themes of greed, envy, and the futility of worldly pursuits, urging a focus on contentment and godly wisdom.
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If our desires are a bottomless pit, where can we find an end to this restless pursuit?
The proverb's somber comparison isn't meant to leave us hopeless, but to point us toward a critical realization.
Recognizing the Void
By contrasting the insatiable grave with our own insatiable desires, Solomon highlights that the world and its offerings cannot ultimately satisfy the deepest parts of us. This realization is the crucial first step. It's acknowledging that chasing after the 'next best thing' will always lead to disappointment.
The Divine Answer
The profound implication is that only God Himself can fill this void. True satisfaction isn't found in having more, but in knowing more of Him. His presence, His love, and His promises are what can finally quench the thirst that endless earthly pursuits can never satisfy. As Psalm 36:8-9 says, 'They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.'
"Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man." — The profound insight here is that the same Hebrew word for "satisfied" is used for both the insatiable depths of Sheol and Abaddon, and the restless yearning of human eyes. This powerful linguistic e…
