Proverbs 13:21
Proverbs 13:21 in Multiple Translations
Disaster pursues sinners, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Evil pursueth sinners; But the righteous shall be recompensed with good.
Evil will overtake sinners, but the upright will be rewarded with good.
Tragedy chases after the sinner, but prosperity rewards the good.
Affliction followeth sinners: but vnto the righteous God will recompense good.
Evil pursueth sinners, And good recompenseth the righteous.
Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repaid.
Evil pursueth sinners: and to the just good shall be repaid.
Sinners have trouble [PRS] wherever they go, but things will go well for righteous people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:21
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 13:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חַ֭טָּאִים
תְּרַדֵּ֣ף
רָעָ֑ה
וְ/אֶת
צַ֝דִּיקִ֗ים
יְשַׁלֶּם
טֽוֹב
חַ֭טָּאִים
chaṭṭâʼ
H2400
sinner
Adj
תְּרַדֵּ֣ף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
רָעָ֑ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
צַ֝דִּיקִ֗ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
יְשַׁלֶּם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 13:21
חַ֭טָּאִים
chaṭṭâʼ
H2400
"sinner"
Adj
This word describes someone who has committed a crime or sin, making them guilty. It is used to describe those who have broken God's laws. The KJV translates it as 'offender' or 'sinner'.
Definition: 1) sinners adj 2) sinful 3) exposed to condemnation, reckoned as offenders
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: offender, sinful, sinner. See also: Genesis 13:13; Psalms 51:15; Psalms 1:1.
תְּרַדֵּ֣ף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
רָעָ֑ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
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.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
צַ֝דִּיקִ֗ים
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.
יְשַׁלֶּם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-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.
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 13:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 13:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 13:21
Context — A Father’s Discipline
19Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but turning from evil is detestable to fools.
20He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
21Disaster pursues sinners, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous. 23Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but without justice it is swept away.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 32:10 | Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD. |
| 2 | Isaiah 3:10–11 | Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done. |
| 3 | Romans 2:7–10 | To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Greek. |
| 4 | Proverbs 13:13 | He who despises instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects a command will be rewarded. |
| 5 | Genesis 4:7 | If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.” |
| 6 | Psalms 140:11 | May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence. |
| 7 | Numbers 32:23 | But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out. |
| 8 | Acts 28:4 | When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” |
Proverbs 13:21 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we choose to sin, we will face the consequences of our actions, but when we choose to live a righteous life, God will bless us with prosperity. This is not just about material wealth, but about living a life that is full and meaningful, as seen in John 10:10, where Jesus says that He came to give us life to the full. By following God's commands and principles, we can experience the joy and peace that comes from living a righteous life, and we can trust that God will take care of us, even in difficult times, as seen in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that disaster pursues sinners?
This means that those who choose to sin will face the consequences of their actions, as seen in Proverbs 13:21, and it is a principle that is repeated throughout the Bible, such as in Galatians 6:7-8, where it says that we will reap what we sow.
Is prosperity only for the righteous?
According to Proverbs 13:21, prosperity is the reward of the righteous, but this does not mean that only righteous people will experience prosperity, as seen in Psalm 73:3, where the psalmist notes that the wicked often seem to prosper.
How can I ensure that I am living a righteous life?
To live a righteous life, we must seek to follow God's commands and principles, as outlined in the Bible, such as in Micah 6:8, where it says that we must act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Does this verse mean that bad things will never happen to good people?
No, this verse does not promise that bad things will never happen to good people, as seen in Job 1:1-22, where Job, a righteous man, faced great suffering, but it does promise that in the end, the righteous will be rewarded, as seen in Revelation 21:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen disaster pursue sinners in my own life or in the lives of those around me?
- How can I cultivate a righteous heart and life, so that I can experience the prosperity that God promises?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to turn away from sin and towards righteousness, and how can I take steps to make that change?
- How can I trust in God's promise of prosperity, even when I am facing difficult circumstances, and what does that look like in my everyday life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:21
Evil pursueth sinners,.... They pursue the evil of sin, and the evil of punishment pursues them, and at last overtakes them; their damnation, though it may seem to slumber and linger, it does not; it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:21
Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:21
Evil; evil of punishment proportionable to their evil of sin, as appears from the next clause. Pursueth; and sooner or later shall certainly overtake them, albeit they please themselves with hopes of impunity. Sinners; obstinate and incorrigible sinners. Good; God’ s blessings and true happiness.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:21
Proverbs 13:21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.Ver. 21. Evil pursueth sinners.] Hard at heels. Flagitium et flagellum, ut acus et filum. Sin and punishment are linked together with chains of adamant. Of sin we may say as Isidore doth of the serpent, Tot dolores, quot colores; so many colours, so many dolours. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life." The same in effect with this sentence of Solomon. But to the righteous good shall be repaid.] Or, He, that is, God, shall repay good. Now he is a liberal paymaster, and all his retributions are more than bountiful. Never did any yet do or suffer aught for God, that complained of a hard bargain. God will recompense your losses, - saith that thrice noble Lord Brook, who lost his precious life in the recent unhappy wars at Litchfield, - as the king of Poland did his noble servant Zelislaus, having lost his hand in his wars, he sent him a golden hand.
Caligula - Agrippa having suffered imprisomnent for wishing him emperor - when he came afterwards to the empire, the first thing he did was to prefer Agrippa, and gave him a chain of gold as heavy as the chain of iron that was upon him in prison. Those that lose anything for God, he seals them a bill of exchange of a double return; nay, a hundredfold here, and eternal life hereafter. Lord Brook’ s Discourse of Episcop.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:21
(21) Evil pursueth sinners.—The “snares, fire, and brimstone,” of Psalms 11:6; while the “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over” (Luke 6:38), awaits the righteous.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:21
21. Evil pursueth sinners — The natural effects of their own wickedness follow them, as a hunter does his prey. Comp. Genesis 4:7; Numbers 32:23; Psalms 32:10; Psalms 140:11; Acts 28:4.
Sermons on Proverbs 13:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Words of Wisdom by Ed Wrather | Ed Wrather emphasizes the importance of making preparations for different stages in life, from childhood to older age, including the need for spiritual development and wise steward |
|
Free, Surrounded and Shouting for Joy by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher opens the book of Romans and discusses how people who have the truth can reject it. He highlights the downward spiral that occurs when individuals enga |
|
|
Free and Surrounded and Shouting for Joy by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and surrendering to God, highlighting the consequences of willful sin and the need to confess and turn away from wrongdoing. It |
|
Psalm 32 ~ Durham Nc-1949 by Harry Ironside | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who had robbed a jewelry store and later found salvation while in prison. The preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting s |
|
Psalms 32 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores Psalm 32, emphasizing the blessings of forgiveness and the burdens of unconfessed sin. He highlights the importance of acknowledging our transgressions and the |
|
Mercy to the Undeserving by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound mercy that surrounds those who trust in the Lord, illustrating that true trust acknowledges one's own sinfulness and unworthiness, yet finds a |
|
|
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 3:10 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck discusses the contrasting themes of judgment and hope found in the book of Isaiah. He highlights the corruption and oppression of the leaders of Israel |