Proverbs 26:27
Proverbs 26:27 in Multiple Translations
He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.
He who makes a hole in the earth will himself go falling into it: and on him by whom a stone is rolled the stone will come back again.
Those who dig pits to trap others will fall in themselves, and those who start boulders rolling will be crushed themselves.
He that diggeth a pit shall fall therein, and he that rolleth a stone, it shall returne vnto him.
Whoso is digging a pit falleth into it, And the roller of a stone, to him it turneth.
Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
Whoever diggeth a pit shall fall into it: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
He that diggeth a pit, shall fall into it: and he that rolleth a stone, it shall return to him.
Those who dig a deep pit for other people to fall into will fall into it themselves; rocks will roll down on those who start to cause rocks to roll down to crush someone.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:27
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 26:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֹּֽרֶה
שַּׁ֭חַת
בָּ֣/הּ
יִפֹּ֑ל
וְ/גֹ֥לֵ֥ל
אֶ֝בֶן
אֵלָ֥י/ו
תָּשֽׁוּב
כֹּֽרֶה
kârâh
H3738
to dig
V-Qal
שַּׁ֭חַת
shachath
H7845
pit
N-fs
בָּ֣/הּ
Prep | Suff
יִפֹּ֑ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/גֹ֥לֵ֥ל
gâlal
H1556
to roll
Conj | V-Qal
אֶ֝בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fs
אֵלָ֥י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
תָּשֽׁוּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:27
כֹּֽרֶה
kârâh
H3738
"to dig"
V-Qal
This verb means to dig or pierce, and is used in various contexts, including excavating the earth or plotting against someone, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to dig, excavate, dig through, cut 1a) (Qal) to dig
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dig, [idiom] make (a banquet), open. See also: Genesis 26:25; Psalms 22:17; Psalms 7:16.
שַּׁ֭חַת
shachath
H7845
"pit"
N-fs
This noun refers to a pit or grave, and it is often used figuratively to describe destruction or corruption, as seen in Proverbs and other books.
Definition: 1) pit, destruction, grave 1a) pit (for catching lions)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: corruption, destruction, ditch, grave, pit. See also: Job 9:31; Psalms 35:7; Psalms 7:16.
בָּ֣/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
יִפֹּ֑ל
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.
וְ/גֹ֥לֵ֥ל
gâlal
H1556
"to roll"
Conj | V-Qal
The Hebrew word 'to roll' means to move something in a rolling motion, and it can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in various forms, such as rolling away or rolling down, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible. This verb can also mean to flow down or to seek occasion.
Definition: 1) to roll, roll away, roll down, roll together 1a) (Qal) to roll 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to roll up 1b2) to flow down 1c) (Pilpel) to roll 1d) (Poal) to be rolled 1e) (Hithpoel) to roll oneself 1f) (Hithpalpel) to roll oneself 1g) (Hiphil) to roll away Aramaic equivalent: ge.lal (גְּלָל "great" H1560)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: commit, remove, roll (away, down, together), run down, seek occasion, trust, wallow. See also: Genesis 29:3; Psalms 22:9; Psalms 37:5.
אֶ֝בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
אֵלָ֥י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
תָּשֽׁוּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:27
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:27
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:27
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:27
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
25When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.
26Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
28A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 28:10 | He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good. |
| 2 | Psalms 9:15 | The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. |
| 3 | Psalms 7:15–16 | He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head. |
| 4 | Psalms 10:2 | In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise. |
| 5 | Psalms 57:6 | They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 10:8 | He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake. |
| 7 | Esther 7:10 | So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided. |
Proverbs 26:27 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 26:27, is saying that when we try to hurt or trap someone, it can ultimately come back to hurt us instead, like a boomerang (as seen in Psalm 7:15). It's a reminder to always try to do good and be kind to others, because what we put out into the world can come back to us (as described in Galatians 6:7-8). By choosing to act with love and kindness, we can avoid the pitfalls of our own making and live a more peaceful, loving life, just like it says in Ephesians 4:32.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'dig a pit' in Proverbs 26:27?
To 'dig a pit' is a metaphor for setting a trap or plotting harm against someone, as seen in Psalm 7:15, and ultimately, the one who does so will fall into their own trap, just like it says in Proverbs 26:27.
Is this verse saying that bad things will happen to bad people?
While it's true that Proverbs 26:27 suggests that those who intend harm will ultimately face harm themselves, it's more about the principle of sowing and reaping, as described in Galatians 6:7-8, where we reap what we sow.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us to be mindful of our actions and intentions, as they can have consequences, and as it says in Proverbs 26:27, what we set in motion can come back to us, so it's essential to act with kindness and integrity, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:32.
Is this verse a promise of punishment or a warning?
Proverbs 26:27 serves as both a warning to those who would plot harm and a reminder of God's justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, where God is described as a righteous judge who will ultimately bring about justice.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be 'digging a pit' in my relationships or interactions with others, and how can I change my behavior to avoid the consequences?
- How can I apply the principle of sowing and reaping in my own life, making sure to sow seeds of kindness and love?
- What are some examples from my own life where I've seen this verse play out, either positively or negatively, and what can I learn from those experiences?
- How can I use this verse as a reminder to act with integrity and kindness, even when it's difficult or challenging?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:27
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein,.... That devises mischief against others, it shall come upon himself.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:27
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:27
Whoso diggeth a pit, that another may fall into it. It is a metaphor from hunters, who used to dig deep pits, and then to cover them slightly with earth, that wild beasts passing that way might fall into them, and sometimes in the heat of pursuit fell into them themselves. That rolleth a stone, to wit, up the hill, with design to do mischief to some person or thing with it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:27
Proverbs 26:27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.Ver. 27. Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall thereinto.] This is the same with Psalms 7:15, from which it seems to be taken; Heathen writers have many proverbs to like purpose. See Erasm. Chiliad. And he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.] Cardinal Benno relates a memorable story of Pope Hildebrand, or Gregory VII, that he hired a base fellow to lay a great stone upon a beam in the church where Henry IV, the emperor, used to pray, and so to lay it that it might fall as from the top of the church upon the emperor’ s head, and kill him. But while this wretch was attempting to do it, the stone, with its weight, drew him down, and falling upon him, dashed him in pieces upon the pavement. The Thracians in Herodotus, being offended with Jupiter for raining unseasonably upon them, shot up their arrows at him, which soon after returned upon their own heads.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:27
(27) Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein,—A simile taken from hunters making pits as traps for wild animals. The same doctrine of retribution being brought upon the sinner’s head by God the righteous Judge is taught in Psalms 7:11, sqq.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:27
Verse 27. Whoso diggeth a pit] See Clarke on Psalms 7:15. There is a Latin proverb like this: Malum consilium consultori pessimum, "A bad counsel, but worst to the giver." Harm watch; harm catch.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:27
27. Comp. Psalms 7:15-16; Sir 27:25-27.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:27
Rolleth a stone - The illustration refers, probably, to the use made of stones in the rough warfare of an earlier age. Compare Judges 9:53; 2 Samuel 11:21. The man is supposed to be rolling the stone up to the heights.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:27
27. Diggeth a pit — That is, with evil intent. Shall fall therein — There are many facts illustrative of this proverb. Wicked men often involve themselves in the mischief they intend for others.
Sermons on Proverbs 26:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Let the Righteous Smite Me by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the theme of freedom in Christ. He encourages the congregation to rejoice in their freedom from the devil's influence and to boldly proclaim |
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Philippians 4:4-7 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of rejoicing in the Lord always, even in the midst of trials and suffering, emphasizing the peace that comes from prayer, supplication, a |
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God Controls Our Circumstances by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the story of Esther, highlighting how God orchestrated events to rescue the Jews from destruction through a series of seemingly small incidents. Despite the |
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(The Full Gospel) 14. Warnings to the Church for the Last Days by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the warnings found in Daniel 11:31-35 regarding the spirit of the antichrist infiltrating the church, defiling it with impurity, opposition to holiness, and |
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John 7:37-44 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the invitation of Jesus to those who thirst for spiritual fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of coming to Him with eagerness and desire to recei |
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An Epistle on Good Order. by John Banks | In this sermon on deception, the preacher delves into the Greek word 'planao' meaning 'to wander astray', emphasizing how various influences like false teachers, signs, and even on |
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No Need to Stint by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the upright will possess good things as promised in Proverbs 28:10, highlighting that our blessings are not just future hopes but present realities. H |