Proverbs 24:29
Proverbs 24:29 in Multiple Translations
Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”
Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.
Say not, I will do to him as he has done to me; I will give the man the reward of his work.
Don't say to yourself, “I'm going to do to him what he did to me! I'll pay him back for what he's done!”
Say not, I wil doe to him, as he hath done to mee, I will recompence euery man according to his worke.
Say not, 'As he did to me, so I do to him, I render to each according to his work.'
Don’t say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”
Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Say not: I will do to him as he hath done to me: I will render to every one according to his work.
Do not say, “I will do to him what he did to me; I will pay him back for the bad things that he did to me.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:29
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 24:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תֹּאמַ֗ר
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
עָֽשָׂה
לִ֭/י
כֵּ֤ן
אֶֽעֱשֶׂה
לּ֑/וֹ
אָשִׁ֖יב
לָ/אִ֣ישׁ
כְּ/פָעֳלֽ/וֹ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תֹּאמַ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
עָֽשָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ֭/י
Prep | Suff
כֵּ֤ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
אֶֽעֱשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לּ֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אָשִׁ֖יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
לָ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
כְּ/פָעֳלֽ/וֹ
pôʻal
H6467
work
Prep | 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 24:29
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תֹּאמַ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָֽשָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
לִ֭/י
""
Prep | Suff
כֵּ֤ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
אֶֽעֱשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
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.
לּ֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אָשִׁ֖יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
לָ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כְּ/פָעֳלֽ/וֹ
pôʻal
H6467
"work"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A work or deed is what this word refers to, describing something that has been done or made. It can also mean wages or the result of an action.
Definition: 1) work, deed, doing 1a) deed, thing done 1b) work, thing made 1c) wages of work 1d) acquisition (of treasure)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: act, deed, do, getting, maker, work. See also: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 104:23; Psalms 9:17.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:29
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:29
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:29
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:29
Context — Further Sayings of the Wise
27Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house.
28Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.
29Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”
30I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. 31Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 20:22 | Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. |
| 2 | Romans 12:17–21 | Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. |
| 3 | 1 Thessalonians 5:15 | Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. |
| 4 | Proverbs 25:21–22 | If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. |
| 5 | Matthew 5:39–44 | But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 13:22–28 | And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad, because he hated Amnon for disgracing his sister Tamar. Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king. And he went to the king and said, “Your servant has just hired shearers. Will the king and his servants please come with me?” “No, my son,” the king replied, “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing. “If not,” said Absalom, “please let my brother Amnon go with us.” “Why should he go with you?” the king asked. But Absalom urged him, so the king sent Amnon and the rest of his sons. Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” |
| 7 | Judges 15:11 | In response, three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, “Do you not realize that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us?” “I have done to them what they did to me,” he replied. |
Proverbs 24:29 Summary
[This verse is telling us not to try to get back at someone who has hurt us, but instead to trust in God's justice and timing. When we seek revenge, we can cause more harm and sin, as seen in Leviticus 19:18. By choosing to forgive and let go, we can break the cycle of hurt and anger, and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15 and Ephesians 4:32. By doing so, we can live out our faith in a way that honors God and brings peace to our relationships, as stated in Romans 12:18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'repay the man according to his work'?
This phrase means to retaliate or seek revenge against someone who has wronged us, as seen in Proverbs 24:29, but the Bible teaches us to leave vengeance to God, as stated in Romans 12:19 and Deuteronomy 32:35.
Is it ever okay to stand up for myself if someone has wronged me?
While it's natural to want to defend ourselves, the Bible cautions against taking matters into our own hands, as seen in Proverbs 24:29, and instead encourages us to trust in God's justice and timing, as stated in Psalm 37:7-8.
How can I apply this verse in my daily life?
By choosing not to retaliate or seek revenge, we can break the cycle of hurt and anger, and instead, choose to forgive and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15 and Ephesians 4:32.
What is the difference between seeking justice and seeking revenge?
Seeking justice involves taking a situation to the proper authorities and trusting in their judgment, whereas seeking revenge involves taking matters into our own hands, as warned against in Proverbs 24:29, and can lead to further harm and sin, as seen in Leviticus 19:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I feel the urge to 'repay' someone for a perceived wrong, and how can I choose to respond differently?
- How can I trust in God's justice and timing when I feel like I've been wronged, and what Bible verses can I turn to for comfort and guidance?
- What are some practical ways I can choose to forgive and let go of anger and resentment, and how can I seek support from others in this process?
- How can I use this verse as a reminder to examine my own heart and actions, and to seek God's forgiveness and guidance in my relationships with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:29
Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me,.... He has falsely accused and reproached me, and bore a false testimony, or suborned false witnesses against me, and I will do the same to him,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:29
Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me - (Proverbs 20:22.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:29
Say not within thyself; give not way to any such thoughts or passions. I will render to the man according to his work; I will repay him all his calumnies and injuries.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:29
Proverbs 24:29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.Ver. 29. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me.] Nothing is more natural than revenge of wrongs, and the world approves it as right temper, true touch, as to put up wrongs is held cowardice and unmanliness. But we have not so learned Christ. Nay, those that have never heard of Christ have spoken much against this vindictive disposition. I will render to the man according to his works.] But is not that God’ s office? And will you needs leap into his chair - wring the sword out of his hand? or at least, will you be a pope in your own cause, depose the magistrate, or appeal from him to yourself? What Luciferian pride is this? Nemo te impune lacessit? Is not God the God of recompenses?
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:29
(29) Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me.—A wonderful anticipation this of New Testament teaching, very different from the spirit of Lev 24:19-20. Comp. Proverbs 20:22, and James 2:13, “For he shall have judgment without mercy that shewed no mercy.”
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:29
29. See Proverbs 25:22 and note there.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:29
A protest against vindictiveness in every form. Compare marginal reference.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:29
28, 29. Be not a witness… without cause — The sense is: Do not be forward to accuse or bear witness against thy neighbour, where the claims of justice do not require it; nor deceive others into a
Sermons on Proverbs 24:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Epistle 176 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of ministers being examples in wisdom, patience, righteousness, holiness, and godliness, urging them to avoid vain, youthful ways and quarrels |
|
(1 Samuel) How to Overcome Evil With Good by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and Saul from the Bible. He highlights the moment when David had the opportunity to kill Saul but instead chose to cut of |
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Forget and Forgive by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and patience in the face of wrongdoing, urging believers not to seek revenge but to wait on the Lord for deliverance. He warn |
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1 Peter 2:23 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the profound example set by Jesus in 1 Peter 2:23, illustrating how Christ, when reviled and mistreated, chose not to retaliate but instead responded with pati |
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Noble Revenge by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett preaches on the noble act of delivering kindness to enemies, drawing inspiration from Psalm 7:4. He emphasizes that responding to evil with good is godly, while r |
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Christ Overcame Evil With Good, Do the Same by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and the need to overcome evil with good. He highlights the concept of giving water and food to one's enemies and wanti |
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Forgiveness - Part 9 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and love towards those who have wronged us, highlighting the need for God's grace to enable us to forgive effortlessly and show |