Proverbs 16:12
Proverbs 16:12 in Multiple Translations
Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness.
Evil-doing is disgusting to kings: for the seat of the ruler is based on righteousness.
It's a terrible thing for a king to do evil, for his throne is based on doing right.
It is an abomination to Kings to commit wickednes: for the throne is stablished by iustice.
An abomination to kings [is] doing wickedness, For by righteousness is a throne established.
It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness.
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
They that act wickedly are abominable to the king: for the throne is established by justice.
Kings detest those who do evil, because it is people doing what is fair/right that causes their governments to be [MTY] strong.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:12
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 16:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
מְ֭לָכִים
עֲשׂ֣וֹת
רֶ֑שַׁע
כִּ֥י
בִ֝/צְדָקָ֗ה
יִכּ֥וֹן
כִּסֵּֽא
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
N-fs
מְ֭לָכִים
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
עֲשׂ֣וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Inf-a
רֶ֑שַׁע
reshaʻ
H7562
wickedness
N-ms
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בִ֝/צְדָקָ֗ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
Prep | N-fs
יִכּ֥וֹן
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
כִּסֵּֽא
kiççêʼ
H3678
throne
N-ms
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 16:12
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
מְ֭לָכִים
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
עֲשׂ֣וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
רֶ֑שַׁע
reshaʻ
H7562
"wickedness"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for wickedness, describing wrong or immoral actions, as seen in the wickedness of enemies or those hostile to God. It appears in various forms, such as iniquity or wickedness. This concept is discussed in biblical books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wrong, wickedness, guilt 1a) wickedness (as violence and crime against civil law) 1b) wickedness (of enemies) 1c) wickedness (in ethical relations)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, wicked(-ness). See also: Deuteronomy 9:27; Proverbs 12:3; Psalms 5:5.
כִּ֥י
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.
בִ֝/צְדָקָ֗ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
Prep | N-fs
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
יִכּ֥וֹן
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
כִּסֵּֽא
kiççêʼ
H3678
"throne"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:12
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
10A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice.
11Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.
12Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.
13Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved. 14The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 25:5 | Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness. |
| 2 | Proverbs 29:14 | A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever. |
| 3 | Luke 12:48 | But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded. |
| 4 | Proverbs 28:9 | Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 25:16 | For everyone who behaves dishonestly in regard to these things is detestable to the LORD your God. |
| 6 | Revelation 19:11 | Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. |
| 7 | Psalms 99:4 | The mighty King loves justice. You have established equity; You have exercised justice and righteousness in Jacob. |
| 8 | Proverbs 20:18 | Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance. |
Proverbs 16:12 Summary
This verse means that when leaders, like kings, do what is right and fair, their authority is stronger and more respected. It's saying that being a good leader is not just about having power, but about using that power to do what is right, as seen in Proverbs 16:12. When leaders rule with righteousness, it's a blessing to their people, as taught in Proverbs 29:2. This is a great reminder for all of us, whether we're leaders or not, to strive to do what is right and just in our own lives, as encouraged in Psalm 37:37 and Psalm 119:121.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a throne to be established through righteousness?
This phrase means that a king's authority and rule are legitimized and sustained when they govern justly and righteously, as seen in Proverbs 29:2, where it says that when the righteous thrive, the people rejoice.
Is this verse saying that all kings are righteous?
No, this verse is not saying that all kings are righteous, but rather that a king's throne is established through righteousness, implying that a king's authority is strengthened when they rule justly, as encouraged in Proverbs 31:8-9 to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
How does this verse apply to leaders who are not kings?
This verse can be applied to any leader, as it emphasizes the importance of righteousness and justice in leadership, as also taught in Romans 13:1-7, where it says that leaders are appointed by God to punish wrongdoing and commend those who do right.
What does it mean for wicked behavior to be detestable to kings?
This phrase means that kings, or leaders, should have a strong dislike for and opposition to wicked behavior, and should not tolerate or condone it, as also seen in Psalm 101:5, where it says that whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, the psalmist will put to silence.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can promote righteousness and justice in my own community, as encouraged in Micah 6:8?
- How can I, as a follower of God, support and pray for leaders who are seeking to rule justly, as taught in 1 Timothy 2:1-4?
- In what ways can I personally live out the principle of righteousness in my daily life, as instructed in Matthew 5:6 and Matthew 5:10?
- How can I balance the desire to speak out against wicked behavior with the need to show love and compassion to those who are caught up in it, as seen in Proverbs 10:12 and 1 Peter 4:8?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:12
[It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness,.... The Targum is, "the abomination of kings are they that work wickedness.'' It should be an abomination to kings to commit wickedness
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:12
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. (It is) an abomination to kings to commit wickedness - namely, to such kings as desire to do the duty of a king aright.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:12
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; they should not only abstain from all wicked practices, but abhor them both in their own persons, and in all their servants and subjects. It is too plain that he speaks not of the common practice, but of the duty of kings, as on . And such affirmative expressions are oft used in Scripture to express men’ s duty only, as , your body is (i.e. should be) the temple, &c.; and , careth, &c. i.e. ought to care. The throne is established by righteousness; and (which is implied) weakened, and sometimes overthrown by unrighteousness; and therefore this is necessary for their own security and happiness.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:12
Proverbs 16:12 [It is] an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.Ver. 12. It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness.] It is so for any man, but especially for great men. Peter Martyr told Queen Elizabeth in an epistle, that princes were doubly obliged to God: first, as men; secondly, as chief men. When I was born into the world, said Henry IV of France, there were thousands of others born besides myself; what have I done to God more than they? It is his mere grace and mercy which doth bind me more unto his justice; for the faults of great men are never small. Thus he. It is reported of Tamberlane, that warlike Scythian, that having overcome Bajazet the great Turk, he asked him whether ever he had given God thanks for making him so great an emperor? who confessed ingenuously he never thought of it. To whom Tamberlane replied, that it was no wonder so ungrateful a man should be made a spectacle of misery. For you, saith he, being blind of one eye, and I lame of a leg, was there any worth in us, why God should set us over two great empires of Turks and Tartars, to command many more worthy than ourselves? Good turns aggravate unkindnesses; and men’ s offences are increased by their obligations.
For the throne is established by righteousness.] Politicians give many directions for the upholding and conserving of kingdoms; but this of Solomon is far beyond them all. See it exemplified in Jeremiah 22:15-20, "Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? Did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him?" &c. French Chron. Leunclav, Annal. Turci.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:12
(12) It is an abomination to kings. . . .—This and the following verse are, like Proverbs 16:10, descriptive of the ideal king who, above all things, loves truth and justice. Psalms 72 works out the thought more fully. How feebly the character was fulfilled by Solomon or the best of his successors the history of Israel shews. It was too high a conception for man to carry out, and was fulfilled only in the person of David’s Son, who is “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:12
Verse 12. It is an abomination to kings, &c.] In all these verses the wise man refers to monarchical government rightly administered. And the proverbs on this subject are all plain.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:12
12. This verse may be understood in two ways — either that the abomination consists in the wickedness which the king commits, or in that which is committed by others.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Prayer for Rulers. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches on the importance of praying for those in authority, emphasizing the need to intercede for rulers and leaders as they face unique challenges and temptations |
|
Letter - to King Charles Ii by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches a message to the king, urging him to govern with purity, peace, and righteousness, seeking guidance from God to avoid further shaking and dissettling of th |
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(A Marriage Blessed by God) 1. Build Your Home With Wisdom by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building godly marriages and homes by focusing on the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and self-control. It highlights the need to prioritize reve |
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Turning the Tide - Part 1 by Charles Stanley | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings throughout history to avoid the consequences of disobedience. It reflects on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden |
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Deserting Principal for Convenience by Ernest Woodhouse | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs 29 and discusses the importance of standing up for principles and doing what is right, rather than what is convenient. He highlight |
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Set Your Affections Above - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on 2nd Corinthians chapter 4 and highlights the idea that everything in the universe is for the sake of believers. The speaker emphasizes that a |
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The Power of God - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of the Holy Spirit and the need for believers to be led by the Spirit. They emphasize the importance of humility and caution again |