Proverbs 21:10
Proverbs 21:10 in Multiple Translations
The soul of the wicked man craves evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
The soul of the wicked desireth evil: His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.
The desire of the evil-doer is fixed on evil: he has no kind feeling for his neighbour.
Evil people love to do wrong, they don't care what pain they cause anyone.
The soule of the wicked wisheth euill: and his neighbour hath no fauour in his eyes.
The soul of the wicked hath desired evil, Not gracious in his eyes is his neighbour.
The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.
The soul of the wicked desireth evil, he will not have pity on his neighbour.
Wicked people [SYN] are always wanting to do what is evil; they never act mercifully toward anyone.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:10
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 21:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
רָ֭שָׁע
אִוְּתָה
רָ֑ע
לֹא
יֻחַ֖ן
בְּ/עֵינָ֣י/ו
רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
רָ֭שָׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
אִוְּתָה
ʼâvâh
H183
to desire
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֻחַ֖ן
chânan
H2603
be gracious
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/עֵינָ֣י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
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 21:10
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
רָ֭שָׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
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.
אִוְּתָה
ʼâvâh
H183
"to desire"
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
To desire means to strongly wish for something, and can be used to describe physical or emotional longings. This word is used in the Bible to describe feelings of coveting or lusting after something.
Definition: 1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer 1a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink) 1b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after). See also: Numbers 11:4; Psalms 132:13; Psalms 45:12.
רָ֑ע
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.
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.
יֻחַ֖ן
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
בְּ/עֵינָ֣י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:10
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:10
Context — The King’s Heart
8The way of a guilty man is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
9Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
10The soul of the wicked man craves evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge. 12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 3:2–3 | You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 3:29 | Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you. |
| 3 | Psalms 36:4 | Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil. |
| 4 | Isaiah 32:6–8 | For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink. The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. But a noble man makes honorable plans; he stands up for worthy causes. |
| 5 | 1 John 2:16 | For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. |
| 6 | Proverbs 12:12 | The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes. |
| 7 | Psalms 112:5 | It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. |
| 8 | James 5:4–6 | Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous, who did not resist you. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 10:6 | These things took place as examples to keep us from craving evil things as they did. |
| 10 | Psalms 52:2–3 | Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah |
Proverbs 21:10 Summary
This verse tells us that people who are wicked have a strong desire to do bad things and don't care about hurting those around them. It's like they have a hunger for evil, and they don't show kindness to their neighbors. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be different, to love our neighbors and seek to do good, as taught in Matthew 22:37-40. By looking to God's word and the example of Jesus, we can learn to live in a way that is pleasing to Him and reflects His love for those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the soul of the wicked to crave evil?
This means that those who are wicked have a deep desire to do harm or cause trouble, as seen in their actions and decisions, similar to what is described in Romans 3:10-18, where it says that none are righteous and all have turned away from God.
Why does the verse say the wicked man's neighbor finds no favor in his eyes?
This indicates that the wicked man has no regard or kindness for those around him, reflecting the biblical principle that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, as taught in Leviticus 19:18 and Mark 12:31.
Is it possible for someone to change from being wicked to being righteous?
Yes, through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, people can change and become new creations, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 8:1-17.
How can we recognize if someone is wicked according to this verse?
We can recognize wickedness by the desire to do evil and the lack of kindness towards others, but ultimately, it is God who judges the heart, as stated in Proverbs 21:2 and 1 Samuel 16:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be craving evil or causing harm to those around me without realizing it?
- How can I show kindness and favor to my neighbors, as opposed to the wicked man in this verse?
- What are some biblical principles that can help me distinguish between righteous and wicked behavior in my own life?
- In what ways can I seek to love and serve those around me, reflecting the heart of God towards my neighbors?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:10
The soul of the wicked desireth evil,.... The evil of sin, it being natural to him; he chooses it, delights in it, craves after it, under a notion of pleasure or profit: or the evil of mischief; it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:10
The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. The soul of the wicked desireth evil - eagerly. The noblest part of man is in him wholly engrossed in evil.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:10
The soul of the wicked desireth evil; his heart is fully and earnestly set in him, as it is expressed, , to do evil, to work wickedness, to do mischief to others, to satisfy his own lusts, though it be with injury of others. His neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes, if he either dissuade him from his wickedness, or stand in the way of his lusts. He spares neither friend nor foe.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:10
Proverbs 21:10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.Ver. 10. The soul of the wicked desireth evil.] Sinful self-love, the chokeweed of all true love, prompteth the wicked man to envy the good, and wish the evil of all but himself. Hard hearted he is and inhuman, unless it be in a qualm of kindness (as Saul to David, the Egyptians to the Israelites), or merely in dissimulation, as John O’ Neale, father to the Earl of Tyrone, that rebel (1598), inscribed himself in all places: I am great John O’ Neale, friend to the Queen of England, and foe to all the world. Eμουθανοντοςγαιαμιχθετωπυρι, said one wicked emperor; Eμουδεζωυτος, said another, striving to outvie him: When I die, let the world be confounded. Nay, while I live let it be so, said the other monster. His neighbour finds no favour in his eyes.] Whether he sink or swim, it is no part of his care. What cares that churl Nabal though worthy David die at his door, so long as himself sits warm within, feeding on the fat and drinking of the sweet? The priests and the Levites saw the wounded man that lay half dead, and lent him no help. It was well they fell not upon him and despatched him, as dogs fall upon a man that is down; or, as when a deer is shot, the rest of the herd push him out of their company. Such cruel beasts David complains of; and such fierce savages St Paul foretells shall be in these last and worst days.
Hard hearts shall make hard times. Camden’ s Elizab. Dio.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:10
(10) His neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.—The wicked must have whatever he has set his heart upon, however much trouble and sorrow he may cause to his neighbour thereby.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:10
10. Wicked desireth — Or wishes, evil to others. Neighbour — Or friend. Some render: “He will even wrong his friend.” Comp. Proverbs 17:5-11. Findeth no favour — Or compassion.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Seven Levels of Judgment - Improper Response Part 3 by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding properly to God's call, highlighting the consequences of improper responses seen in various biblical examples. It discusses the |
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(Christ Formed) 01 - Christ Formed in You by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the importance of an introductory lesson in understanding the message of God. He then highlights the significance of the second |
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The Higher They Are Raised, the More Is a Longing of Soul After Spiritual Attainments Increased. by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the distinguishing difference between gracious affections and false affections, emphasizing that true saints, as they grow in love for God and hatre |
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The Great Sin (Reading) by C.S. Lewis | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of pride and conceit in the Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for repentance and seeking the Lord |
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(So Great a Salvation) Overcoming the World by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker recounts an encounter with a young man at a retreat center. The young man expresses his desire to have victory in his life but admits that he often fail |
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(Genesis) Genesis 3:6-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how Satan uses the same tactics to deceive people today as he did in the Garden of Eden. The preacher explains that Satan appeals to the lust |
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Satan's Steps in Temptation by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the steps of temptation that led David to disgrace and how Satan uses these same steps to lead individuals away from God's will. The preacher |