Proverbs 11:21
Proverbs 11:21 in Multiple Translations
Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Though hand join in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished; But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Certainly the evil-doer will not go free from punishment, but the seed of the upright man will be safe.
You can be certain of this: the wicked won't go unpunished, but the good will be saved.
Though hande ioyne in hande, the wicked shall not be vnpunished: but the seede of the righteous shall escape.
Hand to hand, the wicked is not acquitted, And the seed of the righteous hath escaped.
Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Hand in hand the evil man shall not be innocent: but the seed of the just shall be saved.
It is certain that Yahweh will punish evil people and that righteous people will escape from being punished.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:21
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 11:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָ֣ד
לְ֭/יָד
לֹא
יִנָּ֣קֶה
רָּ֑ע
וְ/זֶ֖רַע
צַדִּיקִ֣ים
נִמְלָֽט
יָ֣ד
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs
לְ֭/יָד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִנָּ֣קֶה
nâqâh
H5352
to clear
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
רָּ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
וְ/זֶ֖רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
Conj | N-ms
צַדִּיקִ֣ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
נִמְלָֽט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:21
יָ֣ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
לְ֭/יָד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
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.
יִנָּ֣קֶה
nâqâh
H5352
"to clear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To be or make clean, either physically or morally, as seen in the book of Psalms where David asks God to cleanse him. This word is also used to describe being free from guilt or punishment. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to be empty, be clear, be pure, be free, be innocent, be desolate, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to be empty, be clean, be pure 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cleaned out, be purged out 1b2) to be clean, be free from guilt, be innocent 1b3) to be free, be exempt from punishment 1b4) to be free, be exempt from obligation 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to hold innocent, acquit 1c2) to leave unpunished
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: acquit [idiom] at all, [idiom] altogether, be blameless, cleanse, (be) clear(-ing), cut off, be desolate, be free, be (hold) guiltless, be (hold) innocent, [idiom] by no means, be quit, be (leave) unpunished, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 24:8; Psalms 19:14; Psalms 19:13.
רָּ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
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.
וְ/זֶ֖רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
צַדִּיקִ֣ים
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.
נִמְלָֽט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:21
Context — Dishonest Scales
19Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death.
20The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight.
21Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.
22Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. 23The desire of the righteous leads only to good, but the hope of the wicked brings wrath.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 112:1–2 | Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. |
| 2 | Acts 2:39 | This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 32:39 | I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them. |
| 4 | Psalms 37:26 | They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing. |
| 5 | Proverbs 16:5 | Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished. |
| 6 | Genesis 17:7–8 | I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 13:22 | A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous. |
| 8 | 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. |
| 9 | Isaiah 27:4 | I am not angry. If only thorns and briers confronted Me, I would march and trample them, I would burn them to the ground. |
Proverbs 11:21 Summary
This verse is saying that God will ultimately punish those who have done wrong, but He will protect and bless those who are trying to live a good life, as seen in Proverbs 10:9, where it says that the man of integrity walks securely. This is a promise that we can trust in, and it should give us hope and comfort, especially when we see evil people seeming to get away with their actions. It's also a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that we should strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, as seen in Colossians 3:25, where it says that anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the wicked will not go unpunished?
This means that God will ultimately bring justice to those who have done evil, as seen in Psalm 37:20, where it says that the wicked will perish, and in Revelation 20:12-15, where it describes the final judgment.
How can we be assured that the offspring of the righteous will escape?
This assurance comes from trusting in God's promise to bless the righteous, as seen in Psalm 37:26, which says that the righteous give generously, and their children are blessed, and in Proverbs 20:7, which says that the righteous man who walks in integrity will be blessed.
What does it mean to be 'righteous' in God's eyes?
To be righteous means to be in a right relationship with God, which comes through faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 3:21-22, where it says that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
Is this verse promising that the children of believers will never face difficulties?
No, this verse is not promising that the children of believers will never face difficulties, but rather that they will ultimately escape the punishment and judgment that comes to the wicked, as seen in Psalm 91:7-10, where it says that the righteous will be protected from harm.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate righteousness in my own life, and how can I trust in God's promise to bless me and my family?
- How can I balance the desire for justice and punishment for the wicked with the call to love and forgive my enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44?
- In what ways can I be a blessing to my own children and family, and how can I trust in God's promise to bless them?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when it seems like the wicked are prospering, as seen in Psalm 73:12-17?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:21
[Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished,.... Though they give the hand to one another, unite in their counsels, enter into combinations, confederacies, and strict alliances,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:21
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:21
Though hand join in hand; though they are fortified against God’ s judgments by a numerous issue, and kindred, and friends, and by mutual strong combinations or confederacies. Shall not be unpunished; they shall be punished even in their own persons, as well as in their posterity. They shall not be able either totally to prevent God’ s judgment, or to delay it from coming in their days. The seed of the righteous, not only their persons, but their children, shall be delivered, without any such auxiliaries, by God’ s special providence.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:21
Proverbs 11:21 [Though] hand [join] in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.Ver. 21. Though hand join in hand, &c.] Heb., Hand to hand; that is, "out of hand, … by and by," as some interpret it. Munster renders it, "Though plague follow upon plague, the wicked will not amend." Others, though there be a combination, a conspiracy of wicked doers, as if, giant like, they would fight against God, and resist his wrath, yet they shall never be able to avert or avoid it. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, yea, whole nations that forget God." God stands not upon multitudes: he buried the old world in one universal grave of waters; and "turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow." This is a good sense. Howbeit I cannot but incline to those that expound, "hand in hand," for "father and child," in regard of the following line, "But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered." As if the prophet should say - The wicked traduce a cursed stock of sin to their children, and shall therefore be punished in their own person, or at least in their posterity. "This their way is their folly; yet their posterity approve their sayings. Therefore like sheep they are laid in the grave, death shall feed on them." Fεομαχοι.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:21
(21) Though hand join in hand.—For this sense comp. Isaiah 28:15, sqq. The passage may also mean “hand to hand,” i.e., from one generation to another; or, what is most probable, “the hand to it,” i.e., assuredly. For the general sense of the verse, comp. Psalms 37
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:21
Verse 21. Though hand join in hand] Let them confederate as they please, to support each other, justice will take care that they escape not punishment. The Hindoos sometimes ratify an engagement by one person laying his right hand on the hand of another.-WARD.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:21
21. Though hand join in hand] Lit. hand to hand. This obscure phrase may mean either, though men clasp one another’s hands in strong confederacy (χειρὶχεῖραςἐμβαλὼν, LXX.); or, preserving more closely the parallel, from generation to generation, the idea being that of the Second Commandment, Exodus 20:5. The rendering, My hand upon it, R.V. marg. (sit dextra fidei testis), though forcible, is hardly in keeping with the style of this Book. The same phrase occurs Proverbs 16:5.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:21
literally, “hand to hand.” The meaning of which is, “Hand may plight faith to hand, men may confederate for evil, yet punishment shall come at last;” or “From hand to hand, from one generation to
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:21
21. Though hand join in hand — Another disputed passage. éã ìéã, (yadh leyadh,) hand to hand, was, likely, an elliptical phrase, with a conventional sense well understood at the time, but uncertain to us.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Price You Pay by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the declaration in the Word of God that the wages of sin is death. However, he also highlights the interruption of hope and help that comes |
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This Is the Portion of a Wicked Man From God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the inevitable connection between wrongdoing and its consequences, as illustrated in the Book of Job. He reflects on the beliefs of Eastern peoples regarding |
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A Startling Statement by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the consequences of sin, emphasizing that the wicked shall not go unpunished, as seen in various Bible passages. He highlights the certainty of reapin |
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(Godly Home) Part 18 - Three Mysterious Influences in the Home by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living in vital reality with God in a home. He uses the analogy of a willow tree planted by a watercourse to illustrate the |
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(Godly Home) Part 28 - the Overtaking Blessings on the Second Generation by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to join the congregation and share in their spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of parents reaching f |
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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 |
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Practical Response Resulting From Our View of God by Lou Sutera | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of God's presence in a gathering of 1,700 people. He describes moments of brokenness before God and the impact of a teenager shari |