Proverbs 12:21
Proverbs 12:21 in Multiple Translations
No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
There shall no mischief happen to the righteous; But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
No trouble will come to upright men, but sinners will be full of evil.
No harm comes to the good, but trouble fills the wicked.
There shall none iniquitie come to the iust: but the wicked are full of euill.
No iniquity is desired by the righteous, And the wicked have been full of evil.
No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
Whatsoever shall befall the just man. it shall not make him sad: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
Bad things usually [HYP] do not happen to righteous people, but wicked people always have troubles.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 12:21
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 12:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
יְאֻנֶּ֣ה
לַ/צַּדִּ֣יק
כָּל
אָ֑וֶן
וּ֝/רְשָׁעִ֗ים
מָ֣לְאוּ
רָֽע
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְאֻנֶּ֣ה
ʼânâh
H579
to meet
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
לַ/צַּדִּ֣יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Prep | Adj
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אָ֑וֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms
וּ֝/רְשָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Conj | Adj
מָ֣לְאוּ
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
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 12:21
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְאֻנֶּ֣ה
ʼânâh
H579
"to meet"
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to meet or approach someone, and it is used in various ways, such as to encounter or be opportune. It can also mean to seek a quarrel or cause oneself to meet someone. In the Bible, it is used in Exodus to describe God meeting with Moses.
Definition: 1) to meet, encounter, approach, be opportune 1a) (Piel) to allow to meet, cause to meet 1b) (Pual) to be sent, be allowed to meet 1c) (Hithpael) to seek occasion (quarrel), cause oneself to meet
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: befall, deliver, happen, seek a quarrel. See also: Exodus 21:13; Psalms 91:10; Proverbs 12:21.
לַ/צַּדִּ֣יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Prep | 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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אָ֑וֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
וּ֝/רְשָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Conj | 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.
מָ֣לְאוּ
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 12:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 12:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 12:21
Context — Loving Discipline and Knowledge
19Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.
21No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight. 23A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 3:13 | Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good? |
| 2 | Psalms 91:10 | no evil will befall you, no plague will approach your tent. |
| 3 | Romans 8:28 | And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. |
| 4 | Proverbs 1:31 | So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 13:12–14 | Therefore you are to tell them that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Every wineskin shall be filled with wine.’ And when they reply, ‘Don’t we surely know that every wineskin should be filled with wine?’ then you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am going to fill with drunkenness all who live in this land—the kings who sit on David’s throne, the priests, the prophets, and all the people of Jerusalem. I will smash them against one another, fathers and sons alike, declares the LORD. I will allow no mercy or pity or compassion to keep Me from destroying them.’” |
| 6 | Habakkuk 2:16 | You will be filled with shame instead of glory. You too must drink and expose your uncircumcision! The cup in the LORD’s right hand will come around to you, and utter disgrace will cover your glory. |
| 7 | Proverbs 14:14 | The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 3:22–23 | whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future. All of them belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. |
| 9 | Revelation 18:6 | Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup. |
| 10 | 2 Corinthians 4:17 | For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. |
Proverbs 12:21 Summary
[This verse, Proverbs 12:21, tells us that when we follow God and do what is right, He will take care of us and keep us safe from harm, as seen in Psalm 23:4. It doesn't mean that nothing bad will ever happen to us, but it does mean that God will ultimately work everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28. By trusting in God and living according to His will, we can experience His protection and peace in our lives, even in the midst of challenges.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'no harm befalls the righteous' in Proverbs 12:21?
This verse means that those who are in a right relationship with God, living according to His will, are protected from ultimate harm, as seen in Psalm 91:10, which says 'no harm will befall you'.
Does this verse mean that bad things will never happen to Christians?
While Proverbs 12:21 promises protection for the righteous, it does not mean that believers will never face difficulties, as seen in Job 1:1-22, where Job suffered greatly despite being a righteous man.
How can we be considered 'righteous' in God's eyes?
According to Romans 3:21-24, we are made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, who died to pay the penalty for our sins, and through Him, we are justified before God.
What is the contrast between the righteous and the wicked in this verse?
The contrast is that the righteous are protected from harm, while the wicked are filled with trouble, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God, as seen in Proverbs 10:29, which says 'the way of the wicked leads to destruction'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can trust in God's protection and provision in my life, even when faced with challenges?
- How can I live a life that is pleasing to God, so that I can experience the promise of Proverbs 12:21?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing trouble or harm, and how can I seek God's help and guidance in those areas?
- How can I share the hope of God's protection and salvation with those around me who may be struggling with trouble or difficulties?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:21
There shall no evil happen to the just,.... The evil of sin: no iniquity, as the Targum; which, and the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions, interpret of sin not being agreeable, convenient, suit
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:21
There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
No evil; either, 1. Of sin; or rather, 2. Of suffering or mischief, as the next clause explains this. No such evil shall befall them as doth commonly befall the wicked, who are filled, or overwhelmed, and utterly destroyed by it; whereas good men are supported under their troubles, and shall be delivered out of them, and receive much benefit by them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
Proverbs 12:21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.Ver. 21. There shall no evil happen to the just.] First, For evil of sin: God will not lead him into temptation, but will cut off occasions, remove stumbling blocks out of his way: devoratory evils, as Tertullian calls them, he shall be sure not to fall into. "That evil one shall not touch him," viz., tactu qualitativo, as Cajetan expounds it, with a deadly touch: nibble he may at their heels, but cannot reach their heads; shake he may his chain at them, but shall not set his fangs in them, or so far thrust his sting into them as to infuse into them the venom of that sin unto death. Next, For evil of pain: though "many be the troubles of the righteous," and they "fall into manifold temptations," they go not in step by step into these waters of Marah, but "fall into" them, being, as it were, precipitated, plunged over head and ears, yet are bidden to be "exceeding glad," as a merchant is to see his ship come laden in. Their afflictions are not penal, but probational; not mortal, but medicinal. "By this shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, and this is all the fruit, the taking away of his sin." Look how the scourging and beating of a garment with a stick, drives out the moths and the dust; so doth affliction corruptions from the heart; and there is no hurt in that, no evil happens thereby to the just. But the wicked shall be filled with mischief.] To treasure up sin, is to treasure up wrath. "Every bottle shall be filled with wine"; the bottle of wickedness, when once filled with those bitter waters, will sink to the bottom: the ephah of wickedness, when top full, shall be borne "into the land of Shiner, and set there upon her own base." He that makes a match with mischief, shall have his bellyful of it; he shall have an evil, "an evil, an only evil" - that is, "judgment without mercy," as St James expounds it. Non surgit hic afflictio, as the prophet Nahum hath it; affliction shall not rise up the second time: God will have but one blow at him; he shall totally and finally be cut down at once. The righteous are smitten in the branches, but the wicked at the root; those he corrects with a rod, yea, with the rods of men, hominum debilium, of weak or old men, as the word signifies, but these with a "grounded staff"; and yet the worst is behind too.
For whatsoever a wicked man suffers in this world is but hell typical; it is but as the falling of leaves - the whole tree will one day fall upon them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
(21) There shall no evil happen to the just.—Comp. our Lord’s promise as to temporal matters for those who “seek the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). and for God’s care in spiritual matters, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
Verse 21. There shall no evil happen to the just] No, for all things work together for good to them that love God. Whatever occurs to a righteous man God turns to his advantage. But, on the other hand, the wicked are filled with mischief: they are hurt, grieved, and wounded, by every occurrence; and nothing turns to their profit.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:21
21. evil … mischief] Rather, mischief … evil, with R.V., reversing the meaning of the two Heb. words.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:21
21. Evil — Calamity. Happen — Meet or befall. Romans 8:28 is a good comment on this clause: “All things work together for good to them that love God.” Filled with mischief — Evil calamity.
Sermons on Proverbs 12:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Proverbs 10-11 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contrast between the diligent and the lazy. He emphasizes that the lazy person will end up poor, while the diligent person will become ri |
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(1 Peter - Part 27): Who Is He That Will Harm You? by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher describes the physical deterioration of a man who is nearing death. Despite his weakened state, the preacher emphasizes that the devil and death cannot |
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Eternal Values - Seeking God's Kingdom First by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning to trust the Lord and standing on our own feet. He uses the analogy of being carried on a stretcher versus learnin |
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Following Living Suffering for Christ by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the seven verses of 1 Peter chapter four. He emphasizes that believers are being encouraged to live, testify, and suffer for Christ. The pre |
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Some Things I Have Learnt in 50 Years Part 3 by Zac Poonen | This sermon shares personal testimonies and truths learned in 50 years of being a believer. It emphasizes the importance of knowing God's truth, living a life of freedom, and under |
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Prepare for Suddenly by Brian Long | In this sermon on Mark chapter 13, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being ready for the sudden return of Jesus Christ. He highlights the fact that no one knows the exact d |
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(Principles of Serving God) 3. Some Important Truths That I Have Learnt by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen shares important truths learned over 40 years as a born-again Christian, emphasizing God's unconditional love for us, which transforms insecurity into joy. He highlights |