Proverbs 17:26
Proverbs 17:26 in Multiple Translations
It is surely not good to punish the innocent or to flog a noble for his honesty.
Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
Also to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.
To give punishment to the upright is not good, or to give blows to the noble for their righteousness.
It's not right to impose a fine on someone who's innocent or to flog good leaders for their honesty.
Surely it is not good to condemne the iust, nor that ye princes should smite such for equitie.
Also, to fine the righteous is not good, To smite nobles for uprightness.
Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.
Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
It is no good thing to do hurt to the just: nor to strike the prince, who judgeth right.
It is not right to force someone who has done nothing wrong to pay a fine; it is wrong to punish good/respected people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:26
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 17:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּ֤ם
עֲנ֣וֹשׁ
לַ/צַּדִּ֣יק
לֹא
ט֑וֹב
לְ/הַכּ֖וֹת
נְדִיבִ֣ים
עַל
יֹֽשֶׁר
גַּ֤ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
עֲנ֣וֹשׁ
ʻânash
H6064
to fine
V-Qal-Inf-a
לַ/צַּדִּ֣יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Prep | Adj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
לְ/הַכּ֖וֹת
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
נְדִיבִ֣ים
nâdîyb
H5081
noble
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יֹֽשֶׁר
yôsher
H3476
uprightness
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 17:26
גַּ֤ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
עֲנ֣וֹשׁ
ʻânash
H6064
"to fine"
V-Qal-Inf-a
To fine or punish is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying a penalty. It is used in the Bible to describe punishment or condemnation, as seen in various translations. This word is about inflicting a penalty.
Definition: 1) to fine, amerce, punish, condemn, mulct 1a) (Qal) to fine, punish 1b) (Niphal) to be fined, be punished, be mulcted
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: amerce, condemn, punish, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 21:22; Proverbs 21:11; Proverbs 17:26.
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.
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.
ט֑וֹב
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.
לְ/הַכּ֖וֹת
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
נְדִיבִ֣ים
nâdîyb
H5081
"noble"
Adj
Noble or generous, describing someone of high rank or character, like a prince, or a person with a willing and liberal heart, as seen in the stories of David and Solomon.
Definition: : noble n m 1) noble one adj 2) inclined, willing, noble, generous 1a) incited, inclined, willing 1b) noble, princely (in rank) 1c) noble (in mind and character)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: free, liberal (things), noble, prince, willing (hearted). See also: Exodus 35:5; Psalms 113:8; Psalms 47:10.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יֹֽשֶׁר
yôsher
H3476
"uprightness"
N-ms
Uprightness means being morally straight and even, like doing what is right and fair. It appears in books like Proverbs and Isaiah, guiding people to live with integrity. God values uprightness, as seen in Psalm 92:15.
Definition: 1) straightness, uprightness 1a) straightness, evenness (moral implications) 1b) rightness, uprightness 1c) what is right, what is due
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: equity, meet, right, upright(-ness). See also: Deuteronomy 9:5; Psalms 119:7; Psalms 25:21.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:26
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:26
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:26
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
24Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
25A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.
26It is surely not good to punish the innocent or to flog a noble for his honesty.
27A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. 28Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 17:15 | Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous— both are detestable to the LORD. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:5 | Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. |
| 3 | John 18:22 | When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped Him in the face and said, “Is this how You answer the high priest?” |
| 4 | Job 34:18–19 | who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’ who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands. |
| 5 | Micah 5:1 | Now, O daughter of troops, mobilize your troops; for a siege is laid against us! With a rod they will strike the cheek of the judge of Israel. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 3:39 | And I am weak this day, though anointed as king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!” |
| 7 | Genesis 18:25 | Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 3:23–25 | When Joab and all his troops arrived, he was informed, “Abner son of Ner came to see the king, who sent him on his way in peace.” So Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he is getting away! Surely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.” |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 16:7–8 | And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! The LORD has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, you have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!” |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 19:7 | Now therefore get up! Go out and speak comfort to your servants, for I swear by the LORD that if you do not go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the adversity that has befallen you from your youth until now!” |
Proverbs 17:26 Summary
This verse is saying that it's not right to punish someone who hasn't done anything wrong. It's also not okay to hurt or punish someone just because they're telling the truth. We should always try to be honest and fair in our dealings with others, just like God is fair and just (as seen in Psalm 119:137). By doing so, we can show respect for others and for God, and live in a way that honors Him, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to punish the innocent in Proverbs 17:26?
Punishing the innocent refers to inflicting harm or penalty on someone who has done no wrong, which is unjust and contrary to God's character as seen in Exodus 23:7 and Deuteronomy 25:1.
Who is considered a noble in this verse?
A noble in Proverbs 17:26 is likely someone of high moral character, similar to the description of the noble wife in Proverbs 31:10-31, who is known for her honesty and integrity.
Why is it important not to flog a noble for his honesty?
Flogging a noble for his honesty would be a form of persecution for doing what is right, which could discourage others from speaking the truth and living with integrity, as warned against in Matthew 5:10-12 and 1 Peter 3:14-17.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us of the importance of treating others justly and fairly, and of standing up for what is right, even if it is difficult, as encouraged in Micah 6:8 and Ephesians 6:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I ensure that I am treating others with fairness and justice in my daily interactions?
- How can I stand up for what is right, even if it means facing opposition or persecution, and what Bible verses can encourage me in this?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate honesty and integrity in my own life, and how can I encourage others to do the same?
- How can I pray for those who are being punished or persecuted for their faith or for doing what is right, and what can I do to support them?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:26
Also to punish the just [is] not good,.... It is evil, and an abomination to the Lord, Proverbs 17:15.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:26
Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. Also to punish the just is not good, (nor) to strike princes for (literally, upon) equity.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:26
Also: this particle seems to have relation to the next foregoing proverb, to imply that it is a very evil thing for children to cause grief to their parents, as it is also to do what here follows. To punish the just; for parents, or princes, or rulers, to whom alone this power belongs, to punish innocent and good men; is not good; is highly evil and abominable, as is implied. See above, 16:29 17:10, &c. Nor to strike princes for equity; nor to smite magistrates, either with the hand or tongue, for the execution of justice, as condemned persons are apt to do. Or, as some learned interpreters render it, nor for princes to strike any man for equity, or for doing his duty, or what is just. So this clause best agrees with the former. Besides, it belongs to princes or ms, strafes to punish or strike.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:26
Proverbs 17:26 Also to punish the just [is] not good, [nor] to strike princes for equity.Ver. 26. Also to punish the just is not good.] The righteous are to be cherished and protected, as those that uphold the state. Semen sanctum statumen terrae What Aeneas Sylvius said of learning, may be more properly said of righteousness, "Vulgar men should esteem it as silver, noble men as gold, princes prize it as pearls," but they that punish it, as persecutors do, shall be punished to purpose, when "God makes inquisition for blood." Nor to strike princes for equity.] Righteous men are "princes in all lands," yea, they are kings in righteousness, as Melchisedec. Indeed they are somewhat obscure kings, as he was, but kings they appear to be, by comparing Matthew 13:17 Luke 10:24; "many righteous," saith Matthew "many kings," saith Luke. Now, to strike a king is high treason; and although princes have put up blows, as when one struck our Henry VI, he only said, ‘ Forsooth you do wrong yourself more than me, to strike the Lord’ s anointed.’ Another, also, that had drawn blood of him when he was in prison, he freely pardoned when he was restored to his kingdom, saying, ‘ Alas, poor soul, he struck me more to win favour with others, than of any evil will he bare me.’ So when one came to cry Cato mercy, for having struck him once in the bath, he answered, that he remembered no such matter. Likewise, Lycurgus is famous for pardoning him that smote out one of his eyes; yet he that shall touch the apple of God’ s eye - as every one doth that wrongeth a righteous man, for equity especially - shall have God for a revenger. And "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Daniel’ s Hist., 198.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:26
(26) Also.—Among other evil things. The subject of perversion of justice is again taken up. To punish.—Especially by fining. To strike—i.e., scourge. (Comp. Deuteronomy 25:1-3.) For equity—i.e., when they have acted uprightly.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:26
Verse 26. Nor to strike princes for equity.] To fall out with the ruler of the people, and to take off his head under pretence of his not being a just or equitable governor, is unjust. To kill a king on the ground of justice is a most dreadful omen to any land. Where was it ever done, that it promoted the public prosperity? No experiment of this kind has ever yet succeeded, howsoever worthless the king might be.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:26
26. Also] beside other things that are “not good”; as “also” is used in Proverbs 19:2. punish] Lit. mulct, or (as R.V. marg.) fine. strike] i.e. inflict the severer punishment of scourging. Deuteronomy 25:1-3. princes] Rather, the noble, R.V. The Heb. word properly denotes character, liberal, free-handed (Gesen. Lex. s.v.), and so comes to be applied to rank or office. See Proverbs 19:6, where the same word is rendered the prince, A.V., but, in keeping with the parallelism, the liberal man, R.V. text. For illustration of the proverb comp. John 18:23.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:26
Nor to strike ... - Better, and to strike the noble (in character rather than in rank) is against right. Compare John 18:28.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:26
26. To punish the just — The upright. The passage may be translated thus: To amerce (or punish) the righteous is not good. The latter clause presents an aggravation of the offence.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 2 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the movie "The Passion" and his response to it. He expresses his fear of watching the film due to the emotional impact it may have on him. Th |
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(Blood Covenant) the Mark of God or the Mark of the Beast - 1 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the judgment that will come on the last day. He emphasizes that many people have been spiritually asleep and have confused good with evil and |
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The Meaning of the Cross by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asserting his right to critique the church's understanding of the gospel based on historical context. He distinguishes between theologians and |
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The Depth of the Gospel - Part 2 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher uses an illustration to emphasize the importance of justice in understanding the gospel. He starts by describing a hypothetical scenario where a person |
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The Unhindered Gospel by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the full Gospel, which includes repentance, holiness, and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He highlights the |
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Turning the Tide - Part 2 by Charles Stanley | This sermon addresses the move towards socialism in the country, emphasizing the dangers of government control over means of production and distribution, the demoralization of indi |
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The Gospel of Jesus Christ (s.n.e. Reformation Conference) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker presents a thought-provoking scenario to illustrate the concept of justice and forgiveness. He describes a situation where a person's family has been br |