Proverbs 21:21
Proverbs 21:21 in Multiple Translations
He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor.
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor.
He who goes after righteousness and mercy will get life, righteousness, and honour.
If you pursue goodness and trustworthy love, you'll find life, prosperity, and honor.
He that followeth after righteousnes and mercy, shall finde life, righteousnes, and glory.
Whoso is pursuing righteousness and kindness, Findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor.
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor.
He that followeth justice and mercy, shall find life, justice, and glory.
Those who always try to act in a fair and kind way toward others will live a long time and be honored/respected.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:21
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 21:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רֹ֭דֵף
צְדָקָ֣ה
וָ/חָ֑סֶד
יִמְצָ֥א
חַ֝יִּ֗ים
צְדָקָ֥ה
וְ/כָבֽוֹד
רֹ֭דֵף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal
צְדָקָ֣ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
N-fs
וָ/חָ֑סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
Conj | N-ms
יִמְצָ֥א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
חַ֝יִּ֗ים
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
צְדָקָ֥ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
N-fs
וְ/כָבֽוֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
Conj | N-cs
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 21:21
רֹ֭דֵף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
צְדָקָ֣ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
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.
וָ/חָ֑סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
יִמְצָ֥א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
חַ֝יִּ֗ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
צְדָקָ֥ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
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.
וְ/כָבֽוֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
Conj | N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:21
Context — The King’s Heart
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.
21He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. 23He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 5:6 | Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. |
| 3 | Proverbs 22:4 | The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life. |
| 4 | 1 Timothy 6:11 | But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. |
| 5 | Hebrews 12:14 | Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. |
| 6 | Proverbs 15:9 | The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness. |
| 7 | Isaiah 51:1 | “Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn. |
| 8 | 2 Timothy 2:22 | Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. |
| 9 | Romans 14:19 | So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification. |
| 10 | 1 Peter 1:7 | so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
Proverbs 21:21 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we make it our goal to live a life that is pleasing to God and to love Him with all our heart, we will find true life and fulfillment. This is supported by Jeremiah 29:13, which says we will find God when we seek Him with all our heart. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we will experience a life of purpose and honor, as stated in Matthew 6:33, which encourages us to seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to pursue righteousness and loving devotion?
Pursuing righteousness and loving devotion means to actively seek after a life of moral integrity and a deep love for God, as seen in Psalm 119:10, where it says, 'I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.'
How does one find life, righteousness, and honor as mentioned in this verse?
Finding life, righteousness, and honor comes from pursuing a relationship with God and following His commands, as stated in Proverbs 21:21, and is also supported by Jeremiah 29:13, which says, 'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'
Is this verse promising that our lives will be easy if we pursue righteousness?
No, this verse is not promising an easy life, but rather a life of purpose and fulfillment, as seen in Romans 5:3-5, where it talks about the struggles we face, but also the hope we have in Christ.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse relates to your everyday life by encouraging you to prioritize your relationship with God and to seek after a life of moral integrity, which will ultimately lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment, as supported by Matthew 6:33, which says, 'But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can pursue righteousness and loving devotion in my daily life?
- How can I balance the desire for life, righteousness, and honor with the challenges and struggles I face every day?
- What does it mean to truly seek after God with all my heart, and how can I apply that to my life?
- In what ways can I trust God to provide me with life, righteousness, and honor, even when things seem uncertain?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:21
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy,.... Is eager, diligent, and fervent in his pursuit of these things: "after righteousness"; not a legal righteousness, such as the Jews followed after,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:21
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:21
That followeth after; that fervently desires, and diligently and constantly endeavours, to attain to them, for such shall and will certainly obtain them. Righteousness and mercy; living in the constant exercise of these virtues. Findeth; shall obtain from God what is right and due to him; either from God, by virtue of his gracious promise; or from men, whose hearts God will dispose to deal justly and kindly with him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:21
Proverbs 21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.Ver. 21. He that followeth after righteousness.] Though, for such a measure of it as he desires, he cannot overtake or compass it. If he be but doing at it, Si faciat praecepta, etiamsi non perficiat, if he "think upon God’ s commandments to do them." If, though he cannot open the door, yet he is lifting at the latch, he shall be accepted, yea, rewarded. "He that follows after righteousness and mercy, "as an apprentice follows his trade, though he be not his craftsmaster, shall "surely find righteousness," with life and honour to boot. And is not that a good thing - a treasure to be desired?
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:21
(21) Righteousness and mercy.—He who endeavours to give God and man their due (see above on 10:2), and to shew love to them (Proverbs 3:3), will gain for himself length of days (Proverbs 3:16) power to live more and more uprightly, and present honour from God and man for so doing. In a higher sense he will gain life eternal now and hereafter (John 17:3), righteousness, or the forgiveness of sins (Romans 2:13), and honour (Romans 8:30) at the last day, when he will be acknowledged as a true son of God (Romans 8:19).
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:21
21. righteousness] The proverb asserts the general law of God’s moral government, that they who seek good things shall find more than they sought for (1 Kings 3:11; Matthew 6:33); the pursuit of “righteousness and mercy” will end in the acquisition of “life, righteousness and honour.” But the proverb seems also to insist upon aiming at a perfect character in the pursuit of moral excellence. Not only should the sterner virtues, represented by righteousness, be cultivated, but their gentler fellows, which are summed up in “mercy.” They who “hunger and thirst after righteousness” should also be “the merciful” (Matthew 5:6-7). So shall the reward attained be that which was sought for, righteousness (used here perhaps in its widest sense of moral perfection, including mercy, the “righteous man” and the “good man” being one and the same person, Romans 5:7), and with it in rich companionship life and honour, which were not objects of direct pursuit.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:21
The man who keeps “righteousness” will assuredly find it, but he will find besides it the “life” and the “honor” which he was not seeking. Compare 1 Kings 3:13; Matthew 6:33.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:21
21. Followeth after — Pursues constantly, practices. Righteousness — Justice. equity, including whatever is right in disposition, thought, word, and deed.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The History of Rock - Part 1 by Alan Ives | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of playing good music and its impact on the attitude of Christians. He refers to First Thessalonians 5 and highlights the vari |
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The Beatitudes the Fifth Beatitude by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of the fifth Beatitude, 'Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy,' highlighting that true mercifulness is a reflection of the me |
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My Clothes Got in the Way! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson shares a transformative experience from his early evangelistic days, where he confronted a group of young Christian hippies about their appearance, only to be told |
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Hear the Conclusion by Duane Troyer | Duane Troyer preaches about the importance of seeking God's will, diligently pursuing righteousness, and being cautious of what we pursue, whether good or evil. He reflects on the |
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The Beginning of Miracles - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, Catherine Kuhlman shares the story of how miracles began happening in her ministry. She reflects on her early years of ministry, when she was full of energy and hun |
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Suffering With Jesus Christ by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of taking on the yoke of Jesus. He uses the analogy of a train staying on track to illustrate the importance of being in bondage |
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Unity That Brings Revival by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being absorbed in Christ and His Word. He believes that God cannot bless or bring revival to a church unless its members ar |