Proverbs 21:7
Proverbs 21:7 in Multiple Translations
The violence of the wicked will sweep them away because they refuse to do what is just.
The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, Because they refuse to do justice.
By their violent acts the evil-doers will be pulled away, because they have no desire to do what is right.
The destruction caused by the wicked will destroy them, for they refuse to do what's right.
The robberie of the wicked shall destroy them: for they haue refused to execute iudgement.
The spoil of the wicked catcheth them, Because they have refused to do judgment.
The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right.
The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
The robberies of the wicked shall be their downfall, because they would not do judgment.
Wicked people refuse to do what is right/just, but they will be ruined because of the violent things [PRS] that they do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:7
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 21:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֹׁד
רְשָׁעִ֥ים
יְגוֹרֵ֑/ם
כִּ֥י
מֵ֝אֲנ֗וּ
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
מִשְׁפָּֽט
שֹׁד
shôd
H7701
violence
N-ms
רְשָׁעִ֥ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
יְגוֹרֵ֑/ם
gârar
H1641
to drag/chew/saw
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מֵ֝אֲנ֗וּ
mâʼên
H3985
to refuse
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
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 21:7
שֹׁד
shôd
H7701
"violence"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means violence or destruction, often referring to social sin or ruin, as seen in the desolation of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah. It is used to describe the devastating effects of war and oppression. This concept is discussed in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: 1) havoc, violence, destruction, devastation, ruin 1a) violence, havoc (as social sin) 1b) devastation, ruin
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: desolation, destruction, oppression, robbery, spoil(-ed, -er, -ing), wasting. See also: Job 5:21; Jeremiah 20:8; Psalms 12:6.
רְשָׁעִ֥ים
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.
יְגוֹרֵ֑/ם
gârar
H1641
"to drag/chew/saw"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To drag or chew refers to the act of pulling something roughly or eating something thoroughly. This word is used to describe an animal chewing its cud or a saw cutting through wood.
Definition: 1) to drag, drag away 1a) (Qal) to drag away 1b) (Niphal) to chew the cud 1c) (Poal) sawn (participle) 1d) (Hithpoel) roaring (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: catch, chew, [idiom] continuing, destroy, saw. See also: Leviticus 11:7; Proverbs 21:7; Jeremiah 30:23.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מֵ֝אֲנ֗וּ
mâʼên
H3985
"to refuse"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say no or reject something. It is used in Exodus 23:5 to describe refusing to help someone in need. God commands people to not refuse help.
Definition: (Piel) to refuse
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 37:35; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 77:3.
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:7
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:7
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:7
Context — The King’s Heart
5The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.
6Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit.
7The violence of the wicked will sweep them away because they refuse to do what is just.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:21 | He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor. |
| 2 | Ephesians 5:6 | Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:18–19 | But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives. Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors. |
| 4 | Micah 3:9–12 | Now hear this, O leaders of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and pervert all that is right, who build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with iniquity. Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.” Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge. |
| 5 | Isaiah 1:23–24 | Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them. Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, declares: “Ah, I will be relieved of My foes and avenge Myself on My enemies. |
| 6 | Psalms 9:16 | The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah |
| 7 | Ezekiel 22:13–14 | Now look, I strike My hands together against your unjust gain and against the blood you have shed in your midst. Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will act. |
| 8 | Psalms 7:16 | His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head. |
| 9 | Zechariah 5:3–4 | Then he told me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed; and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed. I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and destroy it, down to its timbers and stones.” |
| 10 | Jeremiah 7:9–11 | Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’? Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD. |
Proverbs 21:7 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 21:7, teaches us that when we choose to do wrong and hurt others, it will ultimately lead to our own harm. The Bible says that God loves justice and fairness, as seen in Psalm 37:28, and when we do what is right, we reflect His character. By choosing to do what is just, we can avoid the consequences of wickedness and live a life that honors God, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:5. Remember, doing what is just is not just about following rules, but about treating others with love and respect, as taught in Matthew 22:39.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the violence of the wicked to sweep them away?
This phrase means that the wicked will ultimately face the consequences of their actions, as seen in Proverbs 21:7, because their refusal to do what is just will lead to their own downfall, as warned in Psalm 7:16.
Why does the Bible emphasize the importance of doing what is just?
The Bible teaches that doing what is just is essential because it reflects God's character, as seen in Psalm 89:14, and it is a fundamental aspect of living a righteous life, as emphasized in Micah 6:8.
How can we, as believers, apply the principle of doing what is just in our daily lives?
We can apply this principle by treating others with fairness and kindness, as taught in Matthew 7:12, and by standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult, as encouraged in Proverbs 31:8-9.
What is the relationship between violence and wickedness in this verse?
According to Proverbs 21:7, the violence of the wicked is a direct result of their refusal to do what is just, highlighting the connection between wickedness and violent behavior, as also seen in Genesis 6:11-13.
Reflection Questions
- How can I examine my own heart to ensure I am doing what is just in my relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some ways I can stand up for justice and righteousness in my community, as encouraged by Proverbs 31:8-9?
- How can I balance the need to do what is just with the need to show mercy and compassion, as taught in Matthew 9:13?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be refusing to do what is just, and how can I make a change to align with God's will?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:7
The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them,.... Or cut them, so Ben Melech: dissect or "saw" (s) them; cut them to the heart; that is, when the sins they have been guilty of, in robbing God of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:7
The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:7
The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; the injury which they do to others shall either by God or men be returned upon their own heads. They refuse to do judgment; they wilfully and obstinately give up themselves to unrighteous practices.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:7
Proverbs 21:7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.Ver. 7. The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them.] Heb., Shall saw them: that is, shall bring upon them exquisite and extreme torments, such as the prophet Isaiah, and those martyrs were put unto unjustly; such as Agag suffered justly, and those barbarous Ammonites. Some render it dissecabit eos shall cut them in twain, as that evil servant, and those blasphemers of Daniel’ s God. Others render it, Shall abide upon them, or, Dwell with them. Their illgotten goods vanish, but their punishment remains. Their stolen venison is soon eaten up, but the shot is not yet paid; there is a sad reckoning behind. God will rake out of their bellies those tit bits - those murdering morsels. Besides that, for their last dish is served up astonishment and fearful expectation of just revenge. The Hebrew word here translated "destroy" signifies also to terrify and fear. They shall be a Magormissabib to themselves, as Pashur was, running from chamber to chamber, to hide from the hand of justice - as that notable thief Bulas in the days of Severus the emperor - but they shall not escape; their sin will find them out.
God will pour upon them, and not spare, whether they be private thieves, or those public robbers, qui in auto et purpura visuntur, as Cato once said, that are clad with purple, and have gold chains about their necks; corrupt judges, who judge for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him. Such were Empson and Dudley in their generation. Such was Judge Belknap in Richard II’ s days, who, being about to subscribe the articles against proceedings of parliament, said there wanted but a hurdle, a horse, and a halter to carry him where he might suffer for assenting to them. And that of these public thieves Solomon chiefly speaks here we may well think by the following clause, shewing the cause of their sore and sharp punishment, because they refuse to do judgment. Dio. in Sever. Gell., lib. xi. cap. 16. Speed, p. 747.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:7
(7) The robbery of the wicked.—Or, their violence. See above on Proverbs 1:19. (Comp. Psalms 9:15.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:7
Verse 7. The robbery of the wicked] The wicked shall be terrified and ruined by the means they use to aggrandize themselves. And as they refuse to do judgment, they shall have judgment without mercy.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:7
7. robbery] Rather, violence. destroy them] Rather, sweep them up, or catch them, as fishes, for example, in a net. Comp. Habakkuk 1:15, where the same Heb. word is used.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:7
Robbery - Probably the “violence” which the wicked practice. Shall destroy them - More literally, carries them away.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:7
7. Robbery — Rapacity or violence. Shall destroy them — Sweep them sway; shall be the occasion of their destruction. Compare Proverbs 24:21. Refuse to do judgment — That which is just and right between man and man.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Eighth River -- Stealing the Eighth Commandment by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp preaches on the eighth commandment 'Thou shalt not steal,' emphasizing the seriousness of theft in God's eyes and the consequences it brings, including self-destructio |
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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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(Christ—the Way God Makes Man Righteous) 7. Conviction Leads to Repentance by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of both reform and regeneration in the life of a believer. He explains that reform without regeneration leads to failure and |
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Commandment vs. Eph. 5 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments and warns against deception and disobedience. He highlights the sins of covetousness, idolatr |