Proverbs 24:16
Proverbs 24:16 in Multiple Translations
For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times.
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again; But the wicked are overthrown by calamity.
For an upright man, after falling seven times, will get up again: but trouble is the downfall of the evil.
Those who do right may fall down seven times, and still get up again; but the wicked are brought down by disaster.
For a iust man falleth seuen times, and riseth againe: but the wicked fall into mischiefe.
For seven [times] doth the righteous fall and rise, And the wicked stumble in evil.
for a righteous man falls seven times and rises up again, but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
For a just mall shall fall seven times and shall rise again: but the wicked shall fall down into evil.
Even if good people fall down seven/many times, they always stand/get up again, but when a disaster happens to wicked people, it ruins/destroys them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:16
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 24:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
שֶׁ֨בַע
יִפּ֣וֹל
צַדִּ֣יק
וָ/קָ֑ם
וּ֝/רְשָׁעִ֗ים
יִכָּשְׁל֥וּ
בְ/רָעָֽה
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שֶׁ֨בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
יִפּ֣וֹל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
צַדִּ֣יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
וָ/קָ֑ם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
וּ֝/רְשָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Conj | Adj
יִכָּשְׁל֥וּ
kâshal
H3782
to stumble
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
בְ/רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | N-fs
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 24:16
כִּ֤י
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.
שֶׁ֨בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
יִפּ֣וֹל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
צַדִּ֣יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
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.
וָ/קָ֑ם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
וּ֝/רְשָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Conj | 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.
יִכָּשְׁל֥וּ
kâshal
H3782
"to stumble"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
To stumble means to lose your balance and almost fall, often because of weakness. In the Bible, it can also mean to falter or fail spiritually. This word is used in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to stumble, stagger, totter 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stumble 1a2) to totter 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to stumble 1b2) to be tottering, be feeble 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to stumble, bring injury or ruin to, overthrow 1c2) to make feeble, make weak 1d) (Hophal) to be made to stumble 1e) (Piel) bereave
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: bereave (from the margin), cast down, be decayed, (cause to) fail, (cause, make to) fall (down, -ing), feeble, be (the) ruin(-ed, of), (be) overthrown, (cause to) stumble, [idiom] utterly, be weak. See also: Leviticus 26:37; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 9:4.
בְ/רָעָֽה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | N-fs
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:16
Context — Saying 27
14Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off.
15Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, near the dwelling of the righteous; do not destroy his resting place.
16For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times.
17Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, 18or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 34:19 | Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:24 | Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand. |
| 3 | Micah 7:8–10 | Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness. Then my enemy will see and will be covered with shame— she who said to me, “Where is the LORD your God?” My eyes will see her; at that time she will be trampled like mud in the streets. |
| 4 | Job 5:19 | He will rescue you from six calamities; no harm will touch you in seven. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 4:8–12 | We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always consigned to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 11:23–27 | Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers, in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure. |
| 7 | Proverbs 14:32 | The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death. |
| 8 | 1 Thessalonians 5:3 | While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. |
| 9 | Revelation 18:20–21 | Rejoice over her, O heaven, O saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her. Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again. |
| 10 | Proverbs 13:17 | A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. |
Proverbs 24:16 Summary
[This verse is telling us that even when good people make mistakes or face hard times, they can always get back up and keep going, because of their faith in God. As it says in Psalm 23:4, even in the darkest valley, God is with us and will guide us through. The wicked, on the other hand, get stuck in their troubles and can't find a way out. This is because they don't have God's help and guidance in their lives, as we see in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that a righteous man may fall seven times?
This phrase is not suggesting that a righteous person will fall into sin seven times, but rather that even the righteous can experience setbacks and failures, as seen in the life of Job, who endured great trials and yet remained faithful to God (Job 1:1-3, Job 42:1-6).
How does the righteous man get back up after falling?
The righteous man gets back up because of his faith in God and his commitment to following God's ways, as Psalm 37:23-24 reminds us that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way, and even if he falls, he will not be cast down, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.
What is the difference between the righteous and the wicked in times of trouble?
The difference is that the righteous, even when they fall, get back up, whereas the wicked stumble and are overwhelmed by their troubles, as Proverbs 10:25 notes that the righteous has an everlasting foundation, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse encourages us to persevere in our faith, even when we face challenges and setbacks, knowing that God is with us and will help us to get back up, just as Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have fallen or experienced setbacks, and how can I get back up and move forward in faith?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of difficulties and challenges?
- What are some ways that I can practically apply the principle of perseverance and getting back up after falling, in my daily life and relationships?
- How can I use my experiences of falling and getting back up to encourage and support others who may be going through similar struggles?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:16
For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up [again],.... This is to be understood of a truly just man; not of one that is only outwardly and seemingly so, or of temporary believers and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:16
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:16
Falleth; either, 1. Into sin. Or, rather, 2. Into calamities, of which he evidently speaks, both in the foregoing verse, and in the opposite and following branch of this verse, and so this word is used in the next verse, and , &c. And so this is fitly alleged as a just reason to dissuade wicked men from their unjust attempts against righteous men, because they should not succeed in them; and although they might by God’ s permission bring them into some distress for a thee, yet God would deliver them out of their hands, and they should be disappointed of their hopes. Seven times, i.e. frequently. Into mischief; into unavoidable and irrecoverable destruction, ofttimes in this life, and infallibly in the next.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:16
Proverbs 24:16 For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.Ver. 16. For a just man falleth seven times,] i.e., Often. Seven times a day, as the Vulgate and many of the Fathers read it, who also understand this text as falling into sin, and rising again by repentance. But the opposition carries it to the other sense, of falling into trouble. And the next verse speaks as much, "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth." God’ s saints are bound to "rejoice when they fall into divers temptations." What though they fall into them? not go in step by step, but be precipitated, plunged over head and ears. Say they fall not into one but many crosses, - as they seldom come single, but like Job’ s messengers, one at the heels of another, - yet be exceeding glad, saith the apostle; as a merchant is to see his ships come laden in. For, "though ye fall, ye shall arise; and though ye sit in darkness, the Lord shall give you light." But the wicked shall fall into mischief,] i.e., Into remediless misery. Non surget hic afflictio As they shall have an evil, an only evil without mixture of mercy, so they shall totally and finally be consumed at once. If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom Haman hath begun to fall, he shall fall to some purpose. A Jew may fall before a Persian, and get up and prevail; but if a Persian or other persecutor begin to fall before a Jew, he can neither stay nor rise.
There is an invisible hand of omnipotence that strikes in for his own, and confounds their opposites.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:16
(16) For a just man falleth seven times and riseth up again.—That is, falls into trouble (not sin, as is often supposed). Therefore thy malice will be of no avail, for God’s protection is about him. (Comp. Job 5:19; Psalms 34:19; Psalms 37:24.) Seven times—i.e., frequently. (Comp. Matthew 18:21.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:16
Verse 16. For a just man] צדיק tsaddik, the righteous, the same person mentioned above. Falleth seven times] Gets very often into distresses through his resting place being spoiled by the wicked man, the robber, the spoiler of the desert, lying in wait for this purpose, Proverbs 24:15. And riseth up again] Though God permit the hand of violence sometimes to spoil his tent, temptations to assail his mind, and afflictions to press down his body, he constantly emerges; and every time he passes through the furnace, he comes out brighter and more refined. But the wicked shall fall into mischief.] And there they shall lie; having no strong arm to uphold them. Yet,
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:16
16. falleth] not into sin, for the Heb. word is never used of moral lapse, but into trouble or calamity. You will “lay wait against” him and “spoil” him (Proverbs 24:15) to no purpose. You may cause him many “falls” by your machinations, but he will rise superior to them all. “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand” (Psalms 37:24. Comp. Psalms 34:19). Whereas “the wicked,” among whom thou art thus numbering thyself (Proverbs 24:15), shall fall into mischief; or rather, shall not merely fall to rise again, but are overthrown by calamity (R.V.). By a single calamity, it may be (in contrast to the sevenfold recovery of the righteous) they are utterly crushed.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:16
15, 16. Falleth seven times — The falling, here, is not into sin, but into calamity of any kind.
Sermons on Proverbs 24:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Matthew Ch2 by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Symbola shares a personal experience he had with a couple who came to him seeking help. Despite feeling physically and emotionally drained, Pastor Symbola re |
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Spiritual Warfare Series - Talk to the Right Person by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the face of spiritual warfare. He highlights that the battles we face in the spiritual realm are more sig |
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Crucified With Christ by Edgar Reich | In this sermon, the preacher shares a heartbreaking story of a six-year-old boy who was tragically killed by a school bus. Despite the immense grief and pain, the father of the boy |
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The Forgotten Commandment by Jim Van Gelderen | In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful testimony of a young man who was once carnal and worldly but had a life-changing encounter with God's grace. The young man realized t |
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The Demon of Discouragement by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches about the battle against discouragement faced by believers, emphasizing the need to overcome this demon that hinders the church from experiencing revival a |
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Baxter's Second Innings by Henry Drummond | Henry Drummond delivers a powerful sermon using the story of Baxter's cricket match as an analogy for life's temptations and struggles. Baxter's experience in facing the demon Bowl |
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We Can Rise Again by James Stalker | James Stalker preaches about the possibility of rising after falling into sin, emphasizing that through Christ, one can overcome besetting sins and be washed, justified, and sancti |