Proverbs 1:16
Proverbs 1:16 in Multiple Translations
For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.
For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood.
For their feet are running after evil, and they are quick to take a man's life.
For they rush to do evil; they hurry to commit violence and murder.
For their feete runne to euill, and make haste to shed blood.
For their feet to evil do run, And they haste to shed blood.
for their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood.
For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
They rush to do evil deeds! They hurry to murder [MTY] people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 1:16
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 1:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
רַ֭גְלֵי/הֶם
לָ/רַ֣ע
יָר֑וּצוּ
וִֽ֝/ימַהֲר֗וּ
לִ/שְׁפָּךְ
דָּֽם
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רַ֭גְלֵי/הֶם
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd | Suff
לָ/רַ֣ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | N-ms
יָר֑וּצוּ
rûwts
H7323
to run
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וִֽ֝/ימַהֲר֗וּ
mâhar
H4116
to hasten
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
לִ/שְׁפָּךְ
shâphak
H8210
to pour
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
דָּֽם
dâm
H1818
blood
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 1:16
כִּ֣י
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.
רַ֭גְלֵי/הֶם
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
לָ/רַ֣ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | N-ms
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.
יָר֑וּצוּ
rûwts
H7323
"to run"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.
וִֽ֝/ימַהֲר֗וּ
mâhar
H4116
"to hasten"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This word means to hurry or do something quickly, like when someone is in a rush. It can also mean to buy something by paying a price. The Bible uses it in Genesis.
Definition: 1)(Qal) to hasten 1a) (Niphal) to be hurried, be anxious 1a) hasty, precipitate, impetuous 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to hasten, make haste 1b2) hasten (used as adverb with another verb) 1b3) to hasten, prepare quickly, do quickly, bring quickly
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: be carried headlong, fearful, (cause to make, in, make) haste(-n, -ily), (be) hasty, (fetch, make ready) [idiom] quickly, rash, [idiom] shortly, (be so) [idiom] soon, make speed, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] straightway, [idiom] suddenly, swift. See also: Genesis 18:6; 1 Samuel 28:24; Psalms 16:4.
לִ/שְׁפָּךְ
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
דָּֽם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 1:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 1:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 1:16
Context — The Enticement of Sin
14Throw in your lot with us; let us all share one purse”—
15my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path.
16For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.
17How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it! 18But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 59:7 | Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake. |
| 2 | Proverbs 6:18 | a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, |
| 3 | Proverbs 4:16 | For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall. |
| 4 | Romans 3:5 | But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms. |
Proverbs 1:16 Summary
This verse is warning us about the dangers of getting involved with people who love to do bad things and hurt others. It says that these people are quick to do evil and don't care who they hurt, which is the opposite of what God wants for us, as seen in Matthew 5:21-22, where Jesus teaches about the importance of loving our neighbors. We need to be careful about the company we keep and make sure we're not following their bad examples, but instead choosing to follow God's path of righteousness and love. By doing so, we can avoid the destructive consequences of sin and instead experience the joy and peace that come from following God's wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for feet to 'run to evil' in Proverbs 1:16?
This phrase suggests a eagerness and swiftness to engage in wicked activities, as seen in the lives of those who reject God's wisdom, similar to what is described in Romans 3:15-17, where it says that their feet are swift to shed blood and they leave a trail of destruction.
Why does the Bible say they are 'swift to shed blood' in this verse?
This phrase indicates a callous disregard for human life, highlighting the violent nature of those who reject God's wisdom, a theme also found in Proverbs 6:16-19, where the Lord hates hands that shed innocent blood.
How can we avoid being like those described in Proverbs 1:16?
By following God's wisdom and instruction, as seen in Proverbs 1:7-9, where it says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and by choosing to walk in the ways of righteousness, as encouraged in Psalm 1:1-3.
What is the ultimate consequence for those who are 'swift to shed blood'?
The Bible teaches that those who engage in such wickedness will ultimately face God's judgment, as seen in Revelation 21:8, where it says that the murderer will be thrown into the lake of fire.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be 'running to evil' in my own life, and how can I turn away from these paths?
- How can I cultivate a heart that values and respects human life, as God does?
- What are some practical ways that I can 'walk in the ways of righteousness' and avoid the destructive paths described in Proverbs 1:16?
- In what ways can I be a positive influence on those around me, encouraging them to turn away from evil and towards God's wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:16
For their feet run to evil,.... To the evil of sin, to commit robberies and murder, and all manner of iniquity; they are eager upon it, and in haste and swift to do it, Proverbs 6:18 (x); being
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:16
For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. Isaiah 59:7 is drawn from this.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:16
Their feet run; they make haste, as it follows, without considering what they are doing. To evil; to do evil to others, as was expressed ,12, which also will bring evil upon themselves. To shed blood; to shed innocent blood; which is an inhuman and dangerous practice.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:16
Proverbs 1:16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.Ver. 16. For their feet run to evil.] By the abuse of their locomotive faculty, given them to a better purpose. They "run," as if they should not come time enough; they take long strides toward the burning lake, which is now but a little before them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:16
(16) For their feet . . .—The first reason against taking part with them: the horrible nature of the crime they are committing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:16
Verse 16. For their feet run to evil] The whole of this verse is wanting in the Septuagint, and in the Arabic.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:16
16. This verse is omitted here by the LXX. It occurs again in Isaiah 59:7, where, however, the Heb. (but not the LXX.) has “innocent” blood.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:16
16. Their feet run to evil — They are hurrying on to the shedding of blood. Some understand this of their own blood, according to Proverbs 1:18; but they see it not, and hence the next verse. Compare Romans 10:15.
Sermons on Proverbs 1:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Pure by Faith by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of letting go of religious traditions and embracing the freedom found in Christ. He highlights how Jesus faced opposition from |
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The Assassins (Sacarii) by Robert Wurtz II | Robert Wurtz II delves into the historical context of the Zealots and the Sacarii, highlighting their brutal actions and motivations driven by greed and desire for spoils rather th |
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Under Sin by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of sin on the human mind and its ability to comprehend spiritual matters. He highlights the irony of highly intelligent individuals |
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The Day That Belongs to the Lord by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being creative in our daily lives and making each day a sweet and blessed day. He encourages the congregation to search the |
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Crusade 1957 by Billy Graham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highli |
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Of the Hatred of God. by John Gill | John Gill addresses the concept of God's hatred, clarifying that while God does not hate His creatures, He does hate sin and the actions of sinners. He emphasizes that God's hatred |
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The Narrow Road to Salvation (Part 3) by Robert Wurtz II | Robert Wurtz II delves into the Book of Romans, emphasizing that circumcision in the flesh is not a guarantee of salvation, but rather a transformed heart through a born-again expe |