Proverbs 14:19
Proverbs 14:19 in Multiple Translations
The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
The evil bow down before the good; And the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.
The knees of the evil are bent before the good; and sinners go down in the dust at the doors of the upright.
Evil people bow down before good people, and the wicked bow down at the doors of those who do right.
The euill shall bowe before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
The evil have bowed down before the good, And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
The evil bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
The evil shall fall down before the good: and the wicked before the gates of the just.
Some day evil people will bow down in front of righteous people to show that they respect them; they will humbly stand at the gates of the houses of righteous people and request their help.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 14:19
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 14:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שַׁח֣וּ
רָ֭עִים
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
טוֹבִ֑ים
וּ֝/רְשָׁעִ֗ים
עַֽל
שַׁעֲרֵ֥י
צַדִּֽיק
שַׁח֣וּ
shâchach
H7817
to bow
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
רָ֭עִים
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
טוֹבִ֑ים
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וּ֝/רְשָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Conj | Adj
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שַׁעֲרֵ֥י
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-mp
צַדִּֽיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 14:19
שַׁח֣וּ
shâchach
H7817
"to bow"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To bow down means to sink or depress oneself, often in humility or worship, as seen in the story of King David in 1 Samuel. It can also mean to crouch or be prostrated, like an animal in a lair, and is used to describe a range of emotions and postures.
Definition: 1) to bow, crouch, bow down, be bowed down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be bowed down, be prostrated, be humbled 1a2) to bow (in homage) 1a3) to bow (of mourner) 1a4) to crouch (of wild beast in lair) 1b) (Niphal) to be prostrated, be humbled, be reduced, be weakened, proceed humbly, be bowed down 1c) (Hiphil) to prostrate, lay low, bow down 1d) (Hithpolel) to be cast down, be despairing
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bend, bow (down), bring (cast) down, couch, humble self, be (bring) low, stoop. See also: Job 9:13; Proverbs 14:19; Psalms 10:10.
רָ֭עִים
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.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | 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.
טוֹבִ֑ים
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.
וּ֝/רְשָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Conj | 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.
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
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.
שַׁעֲרֵ֥י
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
צַדִּֽיק
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 14:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 14:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:19
- Sermons on Proverbs 14:19
Context — The Wise Woman
17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated.
18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20The poor man is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich. 21He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 42:6 | Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. |
| 2 | Malachi 4:3 | Then you will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 3 | Exodus 8:8 | Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the LORD to take the frogs away from me and my people. Then I will let your people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 60:14 | The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet and call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. |
| 5 | Micah 7:16–17 | Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their might. They will put their hands over their mouths, and their ears will become deaf. They will lick the dust like a snake, like reptiles slithering on the ground. They will crawl from their holes in the presence of the LORD our God; they will tremble in fear of You. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 2:36 | And everyone left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver or a morsel of bread, pleading, “Please appoint me to some priestly office so that I can eat a piece of bread.”’” |
| 7 | 2 Kings 3:12 | Jehoshaphat affirmed, “The word of the LORD is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him. |
| 8 | Genesis 43:28 | “Your servant our father is well,” they answered. “He is still alive.” And they bowed down to honor him. |
| 9 | Exodus 11:8 | And all these officials of yours will come and bow before me, saying, ‘Go, you and all the people who follow you!’ After that, I will depart.” And hot with anger, Moses left Pharaoh’s presence. |
| 10 | Exodus 9:27–28 | Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. “This time I have sinned,” he said. “The LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. Pray to the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go; you do not need to stay any longer.” |
Proverbs 14:19 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 14:19, means that those who do evil will ultimately have to answer to those who do good. It's a reminder that God is in control and that good will triumph over evil in the end, as seen in Psalm 37:11. This doesn't mean that evil people will always be subservient to good people in this life, but rather that God will bring about justice and righteousness in His time, as stated in Revelation 20:10. As followers of God, we can trust that He is working all things together for our good, and that we will ultimately be victorious over evil, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the evil to bow before the good?
This phrase suggests that those who do evil will ultimately be subject to those who do good, as seen in Proverbs 14:19, and is reminiscent of the promise in Psalm 37:11 that the meek will inherit the land.
How can the wicked be at the gates of the righteous?
This could refer to the fact that the wicked may try to infiltrate or influence the righteous, but ultimately, the righteous will prevail, as stated in Proverbs 14:19, and is supported by verses like Psalm 1:1, which warns against walking in the counsel of the wicked.
Is this verse saying that the evil will always be subservient to the good in this life?
No, this verse is not guaranteeing that the evil will always be subject to the good in this life, but rather it is a statement of the ultimate triumph of good over evil, as seen in the context of Proverbs 14:19 and supported by verses like Revelation 20:10, which describes the final judgment of the wicked.
How does this verse relate to the Christian concept of spiritual warfare?
This verse can be seen as a reminder that, as Christians, we are in a spiritual battle between good and evil, and that ultimately, God will triumph over evil, as stated in Proverbs 14:19 and supported by verses like Ephesians 6:12, which describes the spiritual forces of darkness that we struggle against.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen the evil bow before the good in my own life, and how can I learn from those experiences?
- How can I, as a follower of God, be a part of bringing light and righteousness into a world filled with darkness and evil?
- What are some gates, or areas of influence, that I need to be careful about who I allow to enter, in order to protect my own righteousness and walk with God?
- In what ways can I show kindness and love to those around me, just as the righteous are crowned with knowledge, as mentioned in Proverbs 14:18, and how can I use that knowledge to bring glory to God?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 14:19
The evil bow before the good,.... Wicked men before good men.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 14:19
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 14:19
Bow before the good; giving honour to them, and supplicating their favour and help, either for supply of their wants, as being brought low for their sins, or for counsel or comfort, or for their prayers to God for them. At the gates; as clients, and petitioners, and beggars use to wait at the doors and houses of great and potent men. The sense is, Good men shall have the pre-eminency over the wicked, ofttimes in this life, when God sees it expedient, but assuredly in the next life.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 14:19
Proverbs 14:19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.Ver. 19. The evil bow before the good.] Here they do so many times, as Joseph’ s brethren before him in his greatness, as Saul before Samuel, Belshazzar before Daniel, the persecuting tyrants before Constantine the Great; yea, one of them, viz., Maximinus Galerius, being visited with grievous sickness, not only proclaimed liberty to the poor persecuted Christians, but also commanded their churches to be re-edified, and public prayers to be made for his recovery So Ezra 6:10, "Pray for the king’ s life, and for his sons’ ," some of which had died in their minority; for the rest, therefore, prayer must be made by the Church. That place is well known, "Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their faces toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet." The prophet seems to allude to the manner of the Persians, who, when they were to speak to their king, did first kiss the pavement whereon he trod. Howsoever, natural consciences cannot but do homage to the image of God, stamped upon the natures and practices of the righteous, as is aforenoted; and the worst cannot but think well of such, and honour them in their hearts. In the life to come these things shall have their full accomplishment; and at the last day, when the saints shall judge the world, and Christ shall have put all things under his feet, so that they shall have "power over the nations." Euseb. Ctesius. Pictorum solea basiare regum. - Martial.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 14:19
(19) The evil bow before the good.—(Comp. 1 Samuel 2:36.) That this final retribution is certain is implied by the tense employed, though it may be long delayed till the “awakening” (Psalms 73:20) of God and man to judgment. (Comp. Wis 5:1, sqq.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 14:19
Verse 19. The evil bow before the good] They are almost constrained to show them respect; and the wicked, who have wasted their substance with riotous living, bow before the gates of the righteous-of benevolent men-begging a morsel of bread.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 14:19
19. At the gates — That is, bow at “the gates” as beggars, supplicating favour and relief. Evil and wicked are only different words descriptive of the same class of persons.
Sermons on Proverbs 14:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 42 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers during the time of famine in Egypt. Jacob, their father, sends 10 of his sons to Egypt to buy corn, but h |
|
Rough, but Friendly by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the concept of experiencing deep trouble and affliction as a means for God to bring about blessings in our lives. It uses various analogies, such as |
|
The Day of Golden Opportunity by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey emphasizes the urgency of accepting Jesus Christ today, as the Holy Spirit continually calls us to act in the present rather than procrastinate. He illustrates the foll |
|
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.1 & 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being consumed by earthly things that can make us gloomy. He uses the example of Jeremiah, who was saddened by the deso |
|
Anti Semitism: A Little Considered Root by Art Katz | Art Katz discusses the roots of anti-Semitism, suggesting that it stems from a failure of the Jewish people to fulfill their divine calling to be a blessing to the nations. He emph |
|
I Have Sinned by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience as a public speaker and his struggle with three specific words. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and the negative co |
|
|
Confession of Sin by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful sermon on the 'Confession of Sin,' emphasizing its necessity for salvation and the different types of confessions found in Scripture. He illustrat |