Proverbs 28:21
Proverbs 28:21 in Multiple Translations
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
To have respect of persons is not good; Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.
It is not good to have respect for a man's position: for a man will do wrong for a bit of bread.
Showing favoritism isn't good, but some people will do wrong just for a piece of bread.
To haue respect of persons is not good: for that man will transgresse for a piece of bread.
To discern faces is not good, And for a piece of bread doth a man transgress.
To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
To have respect of persons is not good: for, for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
He that hath respect to a person in judgment, doth not well: such a man even for a morsel of bread forsaketh the truth.
It is not good for judges to decide matters unfairly/unjustly, but some people will do what is wrong even if they receive only a very small bribe [HYP] for doing it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:21
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 28:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַֽכֵּר
פָּנִ֥ים
לֹא
ט֑וֹב
וְ/עַל
פַּת
לֶ֝֗חֶם
יִפְשַׁע
גָּֽבֶר
הַֽכֵּר
nâkar
H5234
to recognize
V-Hiphil-Ptc
פָּנִ֥ים
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
פַּת
path
H6595
morsel
N-fs
לֶ֝֗חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
יִפְשַׁע
pâshaʻ
H6586
to transgress
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
גָּֽבֶר
geber
H1397
great man
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:21
הַֽכֵּר
nâkar
H5234
"to recognize"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
פָּנִ֥ים
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פַּת
path
H6595
"morsel"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a small piece of food, like a bite of bread. It is used in passages like Genesis and Exodus to describe eating. This word is about sharing a meal.
Definition: fragment, bit, morsel (of bread), piece Also means: pa.tot (פָּתוֹת "morsel" H6595B)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: meat, morsel, piece. See also: Genesis 18:5; 2 Samuel 12:3; Psalms 147:17.
לֶ֝֗חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
יִפְשַׁע
pâshaʻ
H6586
"to transgress"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To transgress means to break away from authority, like rebelling or revolting against God or others, as seen in Psalm 51:1. It involves intentional disobedience. This concept is key in understanding sin and guilt.
Definition: 1) to rebel, transgress, revolt 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rebel, revolt 1a2) to transgress 1b) (Niphal) to be rebelled against
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: offend, rebel, revolt, transgress(-ion, -or). See also: 1 Kings 8:50; Isaiah 46:8; Psalms 37:38.
גָּֽבֶר
geber
H1397
"great man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:21
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
19The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
20A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
21To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him. 23He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 24:23 | These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:5 | Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 13:19 | You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people who would listen, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not have lived. |
| 4 | Exodus 23:2 | You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd. |
| 5 | Exodus 23:8 | Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. |
| 6 | Micah 3:5 | This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths: |
| 7 | Romans 16:18 | For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. |
| 8 | 2 Peter 2:3 | In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep. |
| 9 | Micah 7:3 | Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. |
| 10 | Hosea 4:18 | When their liquor is gone, they turn to prostitution; their rulers dearly love disgrace. |
Proverbs 28:21 Summary
This verse is warning us that treating people unfairly or differently because of who they are or what they have is not right, and that sometimes people will even do bad things just to get what they need. It's like Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, we need more than just food to truly live. We should try to be fair and honest in all our interactions, and trust God to provide for our needs, as promised in Psalm 37:3-4 and Philippians 4:19. By living with integrity and seeking to do what is right, we can avoid the temptation to compromise our values for temporary gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to show partiality in Proverbs 28:21?
Showing partiality means treating people unfairly or differently based on their status, wealth, or position, which is condemned in the Bible as it is not just or righteous, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:17 and James 2:9.
Why would someone do wrong for a piece of bread?
The verse suggests that people are often driven by their basic needs and desires, and in desperation, they might compromise their integrity or values to get what they need, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 4:4 that man shall not live by bread alone.
Is this verse saying that it's okay to do wrong if we're hungry or in need?
No, the verse is not condoning or justifying wrongdoing, but rather highlighting the reality of human weakness and the importance of seeking righteousness and integrity, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-4 and Proverbs 10:3.
How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of our motivations and actions, ensuring that we treat others with fairness and justice, and seeking to live a life of integrity and righteousness, as guided by verses like Micah 6:8 and Colossians 3:23-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I show partiality in my daily interactions, and how can I work to treat others more fairly?
- In what situations am I most tempted to compromise my values or integrity, and how can I prepare myself to stand firm in those moments?
- How can I balance my physical needs with my spiritual values, and what role does trust in God play in this balance, as seen in Philippians 4:19 and Matthew 6:33?
- What does it mean to 'do wrong for a piece of bread' in my own life, and what are the long-term consequences of such actions?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:21
To have respect of persons [is] not good, c, In courts of judicature, to give a cause or pass sentence in favour of a person, because he is rich, or is a relation, a friend, an acquaintance, or has
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:21
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. To have respect of persons is not good - (note, Proverbs 24:23; Proverbs 18:5.) For, for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:21
When a man hath once vitiated his conscience, and accustomed himself to take bribes, a very small advantage will make him sell justice, and his own soul into the bargain. The design of the proverb is to warn men to take heed of the beginnings of that sin, and consequently of other sins.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:21
Proverbs 28:21 To have respect of persons [is] not good: for for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress.Ver. 21. To have respect of persons is not good.] For, for a piece of bread.] For a trifle he will transgress, and sell his soul dog cheap for a groat, or less money. Cato in Gellius hits Marcus Coelius in the teeth with his baseness, that for a morsel of bread he would sell either his tongue or his silence. And the false prophets in Ezekiel’ s days would do the like.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:21
(21) For, for a piece of bread.—A thing proverbially of little value. (Comp. Ezekiel 13:19.) That man will transgress.—So degrading is the habit of servility.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:21
21. For … that man will transgress] Or, Neither that a man should transgress, R.V. The rendering of A.V., however, which is retained substantially in R.V. marg., has the support both of LXX. and Vulg. a piece of bread] Dean Plumptre, in Speaker’s Comm., and others quote the words of Cato with reference to M. Cœlius, “frusto panis conduci potest, vel uti taceat, vel uti loquatur,” A. Gell., Noct. Att. i. 15. transgress] i.e., as the former clause indicates, pervert justice by shewing partiality.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:21
Dishonest partiality leads men who have enslaved themselves to it to transgress, even when the inducement is altogether disproportionate.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:21
21. To have respect of persons — Literally, to know faces. For a piece of bread — That is, for the smallest bribe. While this proverb has special application to magistrates, it is also applicable to others. Compare Ezekiel 13:19.
Sermons on Proverbs 28:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Fatherly Exhortation Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of listening to and respecting our parents. He encourages his listeners to value truth, wisdom, instruction, and unders |
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Church and State by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches about the Union of Church and State, highlighting the concerns about attempts to disunite them, which could lead to unjust confiscation of Church property and |
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What Is Constitutional? by Robert P. Jr Dugan | Robert P. Jr Dugan discusses the importance of understanding the Constitution, particularly in relation to religious freedom and the separation of church and state. He highlights t |
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Homily 18 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, emphasizing that those who practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. He warn |
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Who Not to Follow by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of carefully choosing our associations to enter the promised rest of God, warning against following the counsel of the ungodly and sinful way |
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Bible Survey - Daniel by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Daniel, a wise and righteous prophet who remained faithful to God despite being exiled to Babylon. Daniel's integrity and courage in the face |
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Homily 37 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the journey of Paul and his companions through various cities, emphasizing Paul's dedication to sharing the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles. Despite |