Proverbs 21:18
Proverbs 21:18 in Multiple Translations
The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright.
The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; And the treacherous cometh in the stead of the upright.
The evil-doer will be given as a price for the life of the good man, and the worker of deceit in the place of the upright.
The wicked pay the price and not the good; those who are deceitful and not those who live right.
The wicked shalbe a ransome for the iust, and the transgressour for the righteous.
The wicked [is] an atonement for the righteous, And for the upright the treacherous dealer.
The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, the treacherous for the upright.
The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
The wicked is delivered up for the just: and the unjust for the righteous.
Wicked people bring on themselves the sufferings that they were trying to cause righteous people to experience [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:18
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 21:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֹּ֣פֶר
לַ/צַּדִּ֣יק
רָשָׁ֑ע
וְ/תַ֖חַת
יְשָׁרִ֣ים
בּוֹגֵֽד
כֹּ֣פֶר
kôpher
H3724
ransom
N-ms
לַ/צַּדִּ֣יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Prep | Adj
רָשָׁ֑ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
וְ/תַ֖חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Conj | Prep
יְשָׁרִ֣ים
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
בּוֹגֵֽד
bâgad
H898
to act treacherously
V-Qal
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 21:18
כֹּ֣פֶר
kôpher
H3724
"ransom"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cover or a village, and also refers to bitumen, henna, and a redemption price. It is translated as bribe, ransom, or satisfaction in the KJV Bible. The word has various meanings in different contexts.
Definition: price of a life, ransom, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: bribe, camphire, pitch, ransom, satisfaction, sum of money, village. See also: Genesis 6:14; Job 36:18; Psalms 49:8.
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.
רָשָׁ֑ע
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.
וְ/תַ֖חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Conj | 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.
יְשָׁרִ֣ים
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
בּוֹגֵֽד
bâgad
H898
"to act treacherously"
V-Qal
To act treacherously means to be deceitful or unfaithful, as seen in Job 31:27-28, where Job denies acting treacherously. It involves covering or hiding one's true intentions, often to pillage or offend others.
Definition: 1) to act treacherously, deceitfully, deal treacherously 1a) (Qal) to act or deal treacherously, faithlessly, deceitfully, offend
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress(-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful(-ly, man), [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 21:8; Isaiah 24:16; Psalms 25:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:18
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:18
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:18
Context — The King’s Heart
16The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.
18The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright.
19Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife. 20Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 11:8 | The righteous man is delivered from trouble; in his place the wicked man goes in. |
| 2 | Isaiah 43:3–4 | For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. Because you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you and nations in place of your life. |
| 3 | Isaiah 53:4–5 | Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. |
| 4 | 1 Peter 3:18 | For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit, |
| 5 | Isaiah 55:8–9 | “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. |
Proverbs 21:18 Summary
[This verse means that God will make sure the wicked are punished for their wrongdoings, and the righteous will be protected and rewarded for their good deeds, as promised in Matthew 25:31-46. The wicked will face the consequences of their actions, and the righteous will be spared, thanks to God's love and justice, as seen in John 3:16. It's a reminder to always try to do what is right and trust in God's plan, because He is fair and just, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the wicked to become a ransom for the righteous?
This means that the wicked will ultimately suffer the consequences of their actions, while the righteous will be spared, as seen in the principle of Psalm 37:28, where God 'does not forsake his saints.'
Is this verse saying that the wicked are literally a substitute for the righteous in punishment?
No, it's more about the ultimate outcome where the wicked face judgment, exemplified in Revelation 20:15, and the righteous are protected, reflecting the promise of Proverbs 2:7-8 where God 'is a shield to those who walk in integrity'
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse reminds us of the importance of living a righteous life, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:2, and trusting in God's justice, which will ultimately prevail, as stated in Psalm 97:2
Does this verse imply that the righteous will never face challenges?
No, the Bible teaches that the righteous will face trials, as seen in Acts 14:22, but this verse assures us that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and the wicked will not go unpunished, as warned in Romans 6:23
Reflection Questions
- How does the concept of the wicked becoming a ransom for the righteous challenge my understanding of God's justice and mercy?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting in God's justice in my own life, especially when faced with injustices or challenges?
- How does this verse encourage me to live a life of integrity and righteousness, knowing that God's justice will ultimately prevail?
- What does this verse teach me about the consequences of wickedness, and how can I share this truth with others in a loving and compassionate way?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:18
The wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous,.... Not to make satisfaction for them, as Christ is a ransom for his people; but as a ransom is in the room of another, so the wicked cometh in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:18
The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. The wicked (shall be) a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:18
The wicked shall be brought into those troubles which were either threatened by God or designed by wicked men against the righteous, and by that means, as by a ransom, the righteous shall be delivered. Thus Achan was a ransom for Israel, , and Haman for Mordecai.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:18
Proverbs 21:18 The wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.Ver. 18. The wicked shall be a ransom.] Heb., Copher, a cover, or an expiation; as Achan was for Israel, and as those condemned persons among the heathens, that in time of pestilence or contagious infection were offered up by way of public expiation, with these words, περιψημαημωνγενου; Be thou a reconciliation for us. To this custom St Paul seems to allude. Thus, when Saul’ s sons were hanged, God’ s wrath was appeased; and when guilty Jonah was cast into the sea, all was calm. Thus God gave Egypt for Israel’ s ransom; yea, Sheba and Ethiopia. And although he may seem sometimes to "sell his people for nought, and not to increase his wealth by their price," yet when it comes to a critical point, "I will give men for thee, and people for thy price." Budaeus.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:18
(18) The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous.—The righteous is “delivered out of trouble (Proverbs 11:8; comp. Isaiah 57:1), and the wicked cometh in his stead” to receive upon his own head God’s descending punishment. So it was with Mordecai and Haman.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:18
Verse 18. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous] God often in his judgments cuts off the wicked, in order to prevent them from destroying the righteous. And in general, we find that the wicked fall into the traps and pits they have digged for the righteous.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:18
18. a ransom] Comp. “I have given Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee … I will give men for thee and peoples for thy life,” Isaiah 43:3-4. Egypt was, so to speak, the price paid for the deliverance of Israel (Exodus 10:7; Exodus 12:29; Exodus 14:30). The second member of the verse is better rendered, with R.V., And the treacherous cometh in the stead of the upright. Comp. Proverbs 11:8.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:18
Compare the marginal reference. Evil doers seem to draw down the wrath of God upon their heads, and so become, as it were, the scapegoats of the comparatively righteous.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:18
18. A ransom — A propitiation, lustration, an atonement; that is, figuratively. The wicked bring on themselves the evil they intended for the righteous.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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How to Come Savingly to Christ by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just listening to the word of God, but also taking action. He warns against being complacent and thinking that there i |
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Rev. 3:8. the Church's Little Strength, and the Lord's Great Love by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the tender love and gracious character of Christ as depicted in Revelation 3:8, where He acknowledges the Church's little strength while offering an open |
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Christ the Ransom Found. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the theme of Christ as the ransom found, emphasizing the grace of God in providing a means of redemption through Jesus Christ. He reflects on the significance |
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The Gospel by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three results of the gospel that flow into our lives: restructuring of the heart, removal of sin, and reversal of values. The restructurin |
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Why Do the Righteous Suffer by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal story about a doctor friend who gained sympathy for those in pain after experiencing kidney stones himself. The speaker the |
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The Lord's Loving Response to Grief by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God responds to the cries and tears of his people when they are suffering. The preacher references various biblical stories, such as God' |
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Leadership in the Home Church and Church by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being led by Jesus and seeking His guidance in all decisions. He encourages listeners to go home, pray, and listen to Jesus |