Proverbs 17:13
Proverbs 17:13 in Multiple Translations
If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house.
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.
If anyone gives back evil for good, evil will never go away from his house.
If you repay evil for good, evil will never leave your house.
He that rewardeth euil for good, euil shall not depart from his house.
Whoso is returning evil for good, Evil moveth not from his house.
Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
Whoever rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
He that rendereth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
If someone does something evil in return for something good being done to him, evil/trouble will never leave that person’s family.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:13
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 17:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵשִׁ֣יב
רָ֭עָה
תַּ֣חַת
טוֹבָ֑ה
לֹא
תמיש
תָמ֥וּשׁ
רָ֝עָ֗ה
מִ/בֵּיתֽ/וֹ
מֵשִׁ֣יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil
רָ֭עָה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
טוֹבָ֑ה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תמיש
mûwsh
H4185
to remove
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
תָמ֥וּשׁ
mûwsh
H4185
to remove
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
רָ֝עָ֗ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
מִ/בֵּיתֽ/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:13
מֵשִׁ֣יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
רָ֭עָה
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.
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
טוֹבָ֑ה
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.
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.
תמיש
mûwsh
H4185
"to remove"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
To remove means to take something away or depart from a place. This word can be used literally or figuratively, and is often translated as cease or depart. It implies a sense of separation.
Definition: 1) to depart, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to depart 1a2) to remove 1a3) to be removed (of inanimate objects) 1b) (Hiphil) to remove, depart
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: cease, depart, go back, remove, take away. See also: Exodus 13:22; Isaiah 46:7; Psalms 55:12.
תָמ֥וּשׁ
mûwsh
H4185
"to remove"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To remove means to take something away or depart from a place. This word can be used literally or figuratively, and is often translated as cease or depart. It implies a sense of separation.
Definition: 1) to depart, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to depart 1a2) to remove 1a3) to be removed (of inanimate objects) 1b) (Hiphil) to remove, depart
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: cease, depart, go back, remove, take away. See also: Exodus 13:22; Isaiah 46:7; Psalms 55:12.
רָ֝עָ֗ה
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.
מִ/בֵּיתֽ/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:13
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
11An evil man seeks only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.
13If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house.
14To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out. 15Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous— both are detestable to the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 109:4–13 | In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love. Set over him a wicked man; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayer be regarded as sin. May his days be few; may another take his position. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children wander as beggars, seeking sustenance far from their ruined homes. May the creditor seize all he owns, and strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May there be no one to extend kindness to him, and no one to favor his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off; may their name be blotted out from the next generation. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 3:9 | Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. |
| 3 | Romans 12:17 | Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. |
| 4 | Psalms 35:12 | They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul. |
| 5 | Psalms 55:12–15 | For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God. Let death seize them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, for evil is with them in their homes. |
| 6 | Psalms 38:20 | Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 12:10 | 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.’ |
| 8 | 1 Thessalonians 5:15 | Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 24:17 | and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. |
| 10 | Matthew 27:5 | So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. |
Proverbs 17:13 Summary
This verse is teaching us that when we respond to kindness or generosity with harm or malice, it can have serious consequences and even affect our relationships and family. On the other hand, when we choose to respond to difficult situations with love, kindness, and forgiveness, we can break cycles of evil and create a more positive and loving environment, as taught in Proverbs 15:1 and Matthew 5:38-42. By trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, we can learn to respond to evil or wrongdoing in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. By choosing to overcome evil with good, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from following God's ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to return evil for good?
Returning evil for good means responding to kindness or generosity with harm or malice, which is contrary to the teachings of the Bible, such as in Matthew 5:38-42 where we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
Will evil literally never leave the house of someone who returns evil for good?
This verse is not saying that evil will physically manifest in the house, but rather that the consequences of returning evil for good will follow the person and potentially affect their family and relationships, as seen in the principles of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7-8.
How can we avoid returning evil for good in our own lives?
We can avoid returning evil for good by choosing to respond to difficult situations with love, kindness, and forgiveness, as taught in Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13, and by trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in Romans 12:17-21.
Is this verse saying that we should never defend ourselves or stand up for what is right?
No, this verse is not saying that we should never defend ourselves or stand up for what is right, but rather that we should respond to evil or wrongdoing in a way that is guided by love, wisdom, and a desire to honor God, as seen in 1 Peter 3:13-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have returned evil for good in my own life, and how can I make amends and change my response in the future?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice when I am faced with evil or wrongdoing, and what does it mean to 'overcome evil with good' as taught in Romans 12:21?
- What are some practical ways that I can choose to respond to difficult situations with love, kindness, and forgiveness, rather than returning evil for good?
- How can I create a culture of love, kindness, and forgiveness in my own home and relationships, and what role can I play in breaking cycles of evil or wrongdoing?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:13
Whoso rewardeth evil for good,.... As the enemies of David and Christ rewarded them, Psalms 35:12; this is base ingratitude, contrary to the law and light of nature; worse than beastly, is really
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:13
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:13
From his person and family, because such a man is most hateful to God and to all mankind; God will punish him, and men will not pity nor relieve him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:13
Proverbs 17:13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.Ver. 13. Whoso rewardeth evil for good, &c.] Ingratitude is a monster in nature, and doth therefore carry so much more detestation, as it is more odious even to themselves that have blotted out the image of God. Some vices are such as nature smiles upon, though frowned at by divine justice; not so this. Lycurgus would make no law against it, because he thought none could be so absurd as to fall into it. Among the Athenians there was an action, αποστασιου, of a master against a servant ungrateful for his manumission, not doing his duty to his late master: such were again to be made bond-slaves. Who can choose but abhor that abominable act of Michael Balbus, who that night that his prince (Leo Armenius) had pardoned and released him, got out and slew him? And that of Muleasses, king of Tunis, who cruelly tortured to death the manifet and mesner, by whose means especially he had aspired to the kingdom; grieving to see them live to whom he was so much beholden. And that of Dr Watson, bishop of Lincoln in Queen Mary’ s days, who, being with Bonnet at the examination of Mr Rough, martyr (a man that had been a means to save Watson’ s life in the days of King Edward VI), to requite him that good turn, detected him there to be a pernicious heretic, who did more harm in the northern parts than a hundred more of his opinion. Whereunto may be added that of William Parry, who having been for burglary condemned to die, was saved by Queen Elizabeth’ s pardon; but he (ungrateful wretch) sought to requite her by vowing her death, anno dom. 1584. To render good for evil is divine, good for good is human, evil for evil is brutish, evil for good is devilish.
Evil shall not depart from his house,] i.e., From his person and posterity, though haply he may escape the lash of man’ s law for such an abhorred villany. See this fulfilled in Saul’ s family, for his unworthy dealing with David; in Muleasses, and many others. Jeremiah, in a spirit of prophecy, bitterly curseth such, and foretelleth the utter ruin of them and theirs, "Shall evil be recompensed for good?" saith he. "Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and let their wives be widows. Let a cry be heard from their houses," &c. Nihil est tam inhumanum, &c., quam committere, ut beneficio non dicam indignus sed victus esse videri. - Cic. Val. Max., lib. ii. cap. 1. Zonaras, in Annal. Turk.
Hist., 642. Acts and Mon., fol. 1843. Speed., fol. 1178.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:13
Verse 13. Whoso rewardeth evil for good] Here is a most awful warning. As many persons are guilty of the sin of ingratitude, and of paying kindness with unkindness, and good with evil, it is no wonder we find so much wretchedness among men; for God's word cannot fail; evil shall not depart from the houses and families of such persons.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:13
13. Rewardeth evil for good, etc. — This probably implies that the example of ingratitude in the head of a family will be followed by his offspring, and thus be returned upon himself and his household continuously.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Long Hours by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of dedicating significant time to prayer, highlighting the correlation between holiness and the amount of time spent in prayer. He refer |
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1 Timothy 2:2-4 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of leading a quiet, peaceable life in godliness and honesty, highlighting the three grievous kinds of war: public, interpersonal, and inte |
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A House of Prayer by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher shares various anecdotes and experiences to emphasize the importance of committing our causes to God. He tells a story about a preacher from Argentina |
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The Surprising Ways of God by Otto Koning | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares his personal testimony of searching for God and finding hope in Jesus Christ. He reflects on his experiences during World War II and t |
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(Depressed Disciples) the Manifold Testings by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having the same mindset as Christ and enduring suffering for the sake of the Gospel. He highlights the contrast between th |
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1 Peter 1 by Robert F. Adcock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life committed to God, even in the face of trials and conflicts with the world. He encourages believers to trust |
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Overcoming Evil With Good by Vernon Helmuth | The sermon titled "Overcome Evil with Good" discusses the principle of responding to evil with good in our lives. The speaker shares that as we grow in our Christian life, God ofte |