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Proverbs 10:7

Proverbs 10:7 in Multiple Translations

The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

The memory of the righteous is blessed; But the name of the wicked shall rot.

The memory of the upright is a blessing, but the name of the evil-doer will be turned to dust.

The good are remembered as a blessing, but the reputation of the wicked will rot.

The memoriall of the iust shalbe blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rotte.

The remembrance of the righteous [is] for a blessing, And the name of the wicked doth rot.

The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.

The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall perish.

The memory of the just is with praises: and the name of the wicked shall rot.

After righteous people die, other people are blessed as they remember what those people did before they died; but we will soon forget wicked people [MTY] after they die.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:7

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 10:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB זֵ֣כֶר צַ֭דִּיק לִ/בְרָכָ֑ה וְ/שֵׁ֖ם רְשָׁעִ֣ים יִרְקָֽב
זֵ֣כֶר zêker H2143 memorial N-ms
צַ֭דִּיק tsaddîyq H6662 righteous Adj
לִ/בְרָכָ֑ה Bᵉrâkâh H1293 blessing Prep | N-fs
וְ/שֵׁ֖ם shêm H8034 name Conj | N-ms
רְשָׁעִ֣ים râshâʻ H7563 wicked Adj
יִרְקָֽב râqab H7537 to rot V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:7

זֵ֣כֶר zêker H2143 "memorial" N-ms
This Hebrew word means a memorial or remembrance, often referring to a reminder of something important, like a scent or a memory. It appears in the Bible to describe memorials to God. The word is used to recall significant events or people.
Definition: 1) memorial, remembrance 1a) remembrance, memory 1b) memorial
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: memorial, memory, remembrance, scent. See also: Exodus 3:15; Psalms 102:13; Psalms 6:6.
צַ֭דִּיק 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.
לִ/בְרָכָ֑ה Bᵉrâkâh H1293 "blessing" Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, a blessing is a gift from God, bringing prosperity and praise. It appears in Genesis and Psalms, where people bless God and each other. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian traditions.
Definition: 1) blessing 2) (source of) blessing 3) blessing, prosperity 4) blessing, praise of God 5) a gift, present 6) treaty of peace
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: blessing, liberal, pool, present. See also: Genesis 12:2; 2 Kings 5:15; Psalms 3:9.
וְ/שֵׁ֖ם shêm H8034 "name" Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
רְשָׁעִ֣ים râshâʻ H7563 "wicked" 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.
יִרְקָֽב râqab H7537 "to rot" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to rot or decay, often used to describe something falling apart, like in Proverbs 10:28 where the hopes of the wicked will rot. It's a strong image of something being destroyed.
Definition: (Qal) to rot
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: rot. See also: Proverbs 10:7; Isaiah 40:20.

Study Notes — Proverbs 10:7

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 112:6 Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever.
2 Luke 1:48 For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.
3 Mark 14:9 And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
4 Psalms 109:13 May his descendants be cut off; may their name be blotted out from the next generation.
5 2 Chronicles 24:16 And Jehoiada was buried with the kings in the City of David, because he had done what was good in Israel for God and His temple.
6 Psalms 109:15 May their sins always remain before the LORD, that He may cut off their memory from the earth.
7 Psalms 9:5–6 You have rebuked the nations; You have destroyed the wicked; You have erased their name forever and ever. The enemy has come to eternal ruin, and You have uprooted their cities; the very memory of them has vanished.
8 Job 18:17 The memory of him perishes from the earth, and he has no name in the land.
9 2 Kings 19:34 ‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’”
10 1 Kings 11:36 I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name.

Proverbs 10:7 Summary

This verse, Proverbs 10:7, is saying that when we live a good life, doing what is right and pleasing to God, people will remember us fondly and be inspired by our example, as seen in Psalms 37:37. On the other hand, if we live a life of sin and wickedness, our reputation will be ruined, as warned in Proverbs 6:27. We can choose how we want to be remembered by living a life of integrity and faithfulness, as taught in Matthew 5:16. By following God's commands and living a righteous life, we can leave a lasting, positive legacy for those around us, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 4:12.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the memory of the righteous to be a blessing?

This means that when we think about the lives of righteous people, it brings joy and happiness to our hearts, as seen in Proverbs 10:7, and it can also inspire us to live a righteous life, just like the Psalmist in Psalms 1:1-3.

How does the name of the wicked rot?

The name of the wicked will rot because their legacy is one of sin and shame, as stated in Proverbs 10:7, and as warned in Proverbs 6:27, their actions will ultimately lead to their own destruction.

Is this verse talking about how people remember us after we die?

Yes, Proverbs 10:7 is saying that the way people remember us after we are gone is determined by how we lived our lives, as also taught in Ecclesiastes 7:1, where it says that a good name is better than a good perfume.

Can a wicked person's name be redeemed?

According to the Bible, yes, a wicked person's name can be redeemed through repentance and faith in God, as seen in the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, and in the teachings of 1 John 1:9, where it says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us.

Reflection Questions

  1. What kind of legacy do I want to leave behind for my family and friends to remember?
  2. How can I live a life that is pleasing to God, so that my memory will be a blessing to others?
  3. What are some ways that I can honor the memories of righteous people who have gone before me?
  4. In what ways can I work to redeem the name of my family or community, if it has been tarnished by sinful actions?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:7

The memory of the just [is] blessed,.... Men to whom he has been useful, either in temporals or spirituals, bless him, or wish all blessings to him while alive, whenever they make mention of his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:7

The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot - (cf.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:7

Is blessed, i.e. honourable and acceptable to those who mention them. Compare . Shall rot; shall perish, and be cursed and detestable amongst men, shall stink above ground.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:7

Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.Ver. 7. The memory of the just is blessed.] "Demetrius had a good report of the truth." In the Hebrew tongue the same word signifieth "a good name," and "a blessing." This is one of those blessings mentioned in Proverbs 10:6, that shall be heaped upon holy men. "Holy and reverend is his name." How comes God’ s name to be "reverend," but by being "holy?" Be good, and do good, so shall thy name be heir to thy life; yea, when thou art laid in thy grave, thy stock remains, goes forward, and shall do till the day of doom. But the name of the wicked shall rot.] And stink as putrefied flesh. Hypocrites then must be detected, though they carry it never so clearly; how else shall they be detested, and stink above ground Simon Magus so handled the matter, that Philip mistook him for a believer, and baptized him; but Peter soon smelt him out, and laid him open in his colours. "He that perverteth his ways shall be known"; "The Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity," for all their cunning contrivances.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:7

Verse 7. The memory of the just is blessed] Or, is a blessing. But the name of the wicked shall rot.] This is another antithesis; but there are only two antithetic terms, for memory and name are synonymous.-Lowth. The very name of the wicked is as offensive as putrid carrion.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:7

7. Blessed — Literally, for a blessing; which some understand to be such to others. “He blesses after he is dead.” Comp. Psalms 9:56; Ecclesiastes 8:10; Psalms 112:6.

Sermons on Proverbs 10:7

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Jonathan Edwards by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill reflects on the life and impact of Jonathan Edwards, highlighting him as a profound preacher and theologian whose passionate sermons ignited spiritual awakenings.
W.B. Dunkum The Future Life - Personal Recognition in Heaven by W.B. Dunkum W.B. Dunkum preaches about the composition of individuality symbolizing two worlds, with the body representing the present world and the soul representing the spiritual world. He d
J.C. Philpot Death-Beds by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot reflects on the blessed memory of the righteous, especially in their peaceful and triumphant death-beds, which serve as a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness and
J.C. Philpot Enduring Monuments by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot speaks about the desire for enduring monuments that outlast death, highlighting how individuals seek to be remembered even after they pass away. He contrasts physical
Jackie Pullinger Useful for the Master - Part 11 by Jackie Pullinger This sermon emphasizes God's purpose in allowing difficulties and poverty, highlighting how those in need may call upon Him for salvation and how the world will recognize Jesus thr
Henry Law Psalm 15 by Henry Law Henry Law preaches on the requirements for abiding in God's presence and dwelling in His holy hill, emphasizing the importance of true righteousness as the evidence of being Christ
Ed Wrather Determined Steadfastness by Ed Wrather Ed Wrather preaches about the importance of determined steadfastness in our relationship with God, using the story of a woman in Florida who, despite a car accident, a swim in a ca

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