Proverbs 11:31
Proverbs 11:31 in Multiple Translations
If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; How much more the wicked and the sinner!
If the upright man is rewarded on earth, how much more the evil-doer and the sinner!
If the good are repaid here on earth, how much more will the wicked who sin be repaid!
Beholde, the righteous shalbe recompensed in the earth: howe much more the wicked and the sinner?
Lo, the righteous in the earth is recompensed, Surely also the wicked and the sinner!
Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed upon the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
If the just man receive in the earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner.
Sometimes righteous people are rewarded here on the earth, but it is much more certain that very wicked people [DOU] will be rewarded by being punished.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:31
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 11:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֣ן
צַ֭דִּיק
בָּ/אָ֣רֶץ
יְשֻׁלָּ֑ם
אַ֝֗ף
כִּֽי
רָשָׁ֥ע
וְ/חוֹטֵֽא
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
צַ֭דִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
בָּ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
יְשֻׁלָּ֑ם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
אַ֝֗ף
ʼaph
H637
also
DirObjM
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רָשָׁ֥ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
וְ/חוֹטֵֽא
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
Conj | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:31
הֵ֣ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
צַ֭דִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
בָּ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
יְשֻׁלָּ֑ם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
אַ֝֗ף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
DirObjM
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רָשָׁ֥ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
וְ/חוֹטֵֽא
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
Conj | V-Qal
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:31
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:31
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:31
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:31
Context — Dishonest Scales
29He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
31If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 4:17–18 | For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 25:29 | For behold, I am beginning to bring disaster on the city that bears My Name, so how could you possibly go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for I am calling down a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, declares the LORD of Hosts.’ |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 11:30–32 | That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 12:9–12 | Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own, for you have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight. You have acted in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’” |
| 5 | Proverbs 13:21 | Disaster pursues sinners, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 7:14–15 | I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. But My loving devotion will never be removed from him as I removed it from Saul, whom I moved out of your way. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 13:24 | As he went on his way, a lion met him on the road and killed him, and his body was left lying in the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it. |
Proverbs 11:31 Summary
[This verse is saying that if good people, who follow God and do what is right, sometimes get what they deserve here on earth, then it's for sure that bad people, who don't follow God and do wrong, will get what they deserve too, and it won't be good. As it says in Psalm 73:3-14, God is just and will punish the wicked. The Bible teaches that God is a just and fair God, who will reward those who follow Him and punish those who reject Him, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46. We can trust that God will bring justice and righteousness to the world, and that He will reward those who are faithful to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the righteous receive their due on earth?
This phrase suggests that even in this life, those who follow God and live righteously will experience some measure of justice and reward, as seen in Psalm 37:3-6, where it is written that God will give us the desires of our heart if we delight in Him and commit our way to Him.
Who are the ungodly and the sinner in this context?
The ungodly and the sinner refer to those who reject God and live in rebellion against Him, as described in Romans 1:18-32, where it says that God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
What is the main point of Proverbs 11:31?
The main point of this verse is to emphasize that if the righteous, who are often persecuted and mistreated, still receive some measure of justice on earth, then it is certain that the ungodly and the sinner will face even greater judgment and punishment, as Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46.
How does this verse relate to the concept of eternal judgment?
This verse implies that the judgment and punishment of the ungodly and the sinner will be even more severe in eternity, as described in Revelation 20:11-15, where it is written that all those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the lake of fire.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen the righteous receive their due on earth, and how has this encouraged my faith?
- How can I, as a follower of God, trust that He will bring justice and reward to those who are faithful, even in the face of persecution or hardship?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be living in rebellion against God, and how can I turn back to Him in repentance and faith?
- How can I use this verse to share the gospel with those who do not know Christ, and to warn them of the coming judgment?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:31
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth,.... Which Aben Ezra understands of the recompence of their good works.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:31
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:31
The righteous shall be recompensed, i.e. punished for his sins, as appears from the next clause; the general word being here used of this one particular, by a synecdoche. In the earth; whereby he intimates that all his sufferings are confined to this world, which is an unspeakable felicity. Much more, they shall be punished more certainly and more severely, either in this life or in the next, the wicked and the sinner; those who make sin their great study, and daily and most delightful exercise. Compare this verse with , which is a good comment upon it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:31
Proverbs 11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.Ver. 31. The righteous shall be recompensed,] i.e., Chastened, afflicted, "judged of the Lord, that they may not be condemned with the world," for their sufferings are not penal, but medicinal or probational; and they have it here in the earth, which is their house of correction, not in hell. Much more the wicked.] Nahum 1:9. Non surget hic afflictio. These shall be totally and finally consumed at once. see also my "Love Tokens," page 69, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:31
(31) Behold the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth.—That is, even he shall be punished for his misdeeds, as were Jacob, Moses, David; how much more shall “the wicked and the sinner.” The LXX. translates freely, “If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” a rendering adopted in 1 Peter 4:18.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:31
Verse 31. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth, c.] The Septuagint, Syrian, and Arabic read this verse as follows: "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" And this St. Peter quotes literatim, 1 Peter 4:18, where see the note. "See Clarke "1 Peter 4:18".
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:31
31. shall be recompensed] This might mean, shall receive, in each case, the return due to him; the righteous shall be rewarded (as the same Heb. word is rendered in Proverbs 13:13) and the wicked punished (comp. recompense evil, the Heb. word being again the same, Jeremiah 18:20). But then it is difficult to understand why the law of retribution should obtain “much more” in the second case than in the first. “Recompensed” has therefore been understood to mean “punished” in both cases: The righteous shall be punished for his sins (“for there is no man that sinneth not,” 1 Kings 8:46); how much more, &c. The LXX. paraphrase of this latter interpretation is adopted by St Peter: “If the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 1 Peter 4:18, R.V.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:31
The sense would appear to be, “The righteous is requited, i. e., is punished for his lesser sins, or as a discipline; much more the wicked, etc.” Compare 1 Peter 4:18.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:31
31. Righteous shall be recompensed; (or requited;) much more (or even so,) the wicked and the sinner — Luther renders the former clause, “The righteous must suffer on the earth,” which, Zockler says,
Sermons on Proverbs 11:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Peter 4:18 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 4:18, emphasizing that while the righteous are saved through the imputed righteousness of Christ, their salvation is described as 'scarcely' due to th |
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Why Does the Holy Spirit Not Fill the Church by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment and the need for it in order to save humanity. He explains that God saw the moral corruption that had spread througho |
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The Overcoming Saint by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the church to rise up and be a representation of Christ in the world. He criticizes the idea of trying to produce something spi |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 14:12 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He uses the example of Daniel, a young man who took a stand for God |
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Gleanings From the Garden - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of engaging in conversations with students at a university. The speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging in discussion |
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K-197 the Anatomy of Sin Part One by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of removing a television from their home due to the negative influence it had on their children. They emphasize the importa |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 2 by Alan Cairns | This sermon emphasizes the need for a visitation of the Spirit of God in the midst of corruption and wickedness, calling for prophetic voices to speak truth and uphold the gospel. |