Proverbs 16:5
Proverbs 16:5 in Multiple Translations
Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Everyone who has pride in his heart is disgusting to the Lord: he will certainly not go free from punishment.
The Lord hates the arrogant. You can be certain of this: the wicked won't go unpunished.
All that are proude in heart, are an abomination to the Lord: though hand ioyne in hand, he shall not be vnpunished.
An abomination to Jehovah [is] every proud one of heart, Hand to hand he is not acquitted.
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; they shall certainly not be unpunished.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Every proud man is an abomination to the Lord: though hand should be joined to hand, he is not innocent. The beginning of a good way is to do justice; and this is more acceptable with God, than to offer sacrifices.
Yahweh hates/detests everyone who is proud [IDM]; you can be certain [IDM] that they will be punished [LIT].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:5
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 16:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
יְ֭הוָה
כָּל
גְּבַהּ
לֵ֑ב
יָ֥ד
לְ֝/יָ֗ד
לֹ֣א
יִנָּקֶֽה
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
N-fs
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
גְּבַהּ
gâbâhh
H1362
high
Adj
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
יָ֥ד
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs
לְ֝/יָ֗ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִנָּקֶֽה
nâqâh
H5352
to clear
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
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 16:5
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
גְּבַהּ
gâbâhh
H1362
"high"
Adj
High means lofty or tall, like a mountain or a proud person, as described in Isaiah where God is high and exalted.
Definition: 1) high, proud 1a) high, lofty, tall 1b) exalted in station 1c) haughty, proud
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: high, proud. See also: Psalms 101:5; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Proverbs 16:5.
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
יָ֥ד
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.
לְ֝/יָ֗ד
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.
לֹ֣א
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.
יִנָּקֶֽה
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:5
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:5
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:5
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
3Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.
4The LORD has made everything for His purpose— even the wicked for the day of disaster.
5Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.
6By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil. 7When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 6:16–17 | There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, |
| 2 | Proverbs 11:21 | Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape. |
| 3 | Proverbs 8:13 | To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. |
| 4 | Romans 2:8–9 | But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek; |
| 5 | James 4:6 | But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” |
| 6 | Job 40:12 | Look on every proud man and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand. |
| 7 | Isaiah 3:11 | Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done. |
| 8 | Exodus 20:7 | You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain. |
Proverbs 16:5 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 16:5, teaches us that God hates pride and will punish those who are proud in heart. Being proud means thinking we are better than others and not giving God the credit He deserves. On the other hand, humility and recognizing our dependence on God is key, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 9:23-24. By trusting in God and not ourselves, we can avoid the trap of pride and live a life that pleases Him, as encouraged in Galatians 2:20 and Romans 12:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be proud in heart?
To be proud in heart means to have an arrogant or haughty attitude, thinking oneself to be superior to others, as seen in Proverbs 16:5, which is detestable to the Lord, and is also warned against in Proverbs 21:24 and 1 Peter 5:5.
Will God really punish the proud?
Yes, according to Proverbs 16:5, the proud will not go unpunished, as God hates pride and will judge it, as also seen in Proverbs 29:23 and Isaiah 2:12.
How can I avoid being proud in heart?
To avoid being proud in heart, we must cultivate humility, recognizing our dependence on God and our sinfulness, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:7 and James 4:6-10, and seeking to love and serve others in humility, as taught in Philippians 2:3-5 and Matthew 20:26-28.
Is it possible to be confident without being proud?
Yes, confidence and pride are not the same, as confidence comes from trusting in God's power and abilities, as seen in 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 and Philippians 4:13, whereas pride comes from trusting in oneself, so we can have confidence in God's work in us without being proud, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 1:7 and Hebrews 10:35-36.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be exhibiting pride, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How does my pride affect my relationships with others, and what can I do to demonstrate humility instead?
- In what ways do I seek to elevate myself above others, and how can I shift my focus to serving and loving them instead?
- What are some Bible verses that speak to the dangers of pride, and how can I apply them to my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:5
Every one [that is] proud in heart [is] an abomination to the Lord,.... Though he may dissemble his pride, and not discover it in his looks, by his words and gestures; yet the Lord sees and knows the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:5
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:5
That is proud in heart, though he dissemble it in his outward carriage and countenance, as . In whose heart pride rules. Though hand join in hand; though they have many friends and assistants. See the same phrase .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:5
Proverbs 16:5 Every one [that is] proud in heart [is] an abomination to the LORD: [though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished.Ver. 5. Every one that is proud in heart, &c.] That lifts up himself against God and his righteous decree; daring to reprehend what they do not comprehend about the doctrine of reprobation, as those chatters, Romans 9:20. These, while, like proud and yet brittle clay, they will be knocking their sides against the solid and eternal decrees of God - called mountains of brass - break themselves in pieces. So likewise do such as "stumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed." How much better were it for them to take the prophet’ s counsel, "Hear, and give ear, be not proud, for the Lord hath spoken it. Give glory to the Lord your God" - let him be justified and every mouth stopped, subscribe to his most perfect justice, though it were in your own utter destruction - "before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains." That was a proud and atheistic speech of Louis XI, Si salvabor, salvabor; si veto damnabor damnabor: If I shall be saved, I shall be saved; and if I shall be damned, I shall be damned; and there is all the care that I shall take. Not unlike to this was that wretched resolution of one Ruffus, of whom it is reported that he painted God on the one side of his shield, and the devil on the other, with this mad motto, Si tu me nolis, iste rogitat: If thou wilt not have me, here is one who will! Though hand join in hand.] Some make "hand in hand" to be no more than ‘ out of hand,’ ‘ immediately’ or ‘ with ease’ ; for nothing is sooner or with more ease done than to fold one hand in another. God "shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim, and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoil of their hands." The motion in swimming is easy, not strong; for strong strokes in the water would rather sink than support. God with greatest facility can subdue his stoutest adversary when once it comes to handy gripes; when once his hand joins to the proud man’ s hand - so some sense this text - so that they do manus conserere, then shall it appear that "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:5
(5) Though hand join in hand.—See Note on Proverbs 11:21.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:5
Verse 5. Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.] The day of wrath shall come on the wicked, whatever means he may take to avoid it. See Proverbs 11:21.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:5
5. Though hand join in hand] See Proverbs 11:21, note.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:5
See the marginal reference note.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:5
5. Proud in heart — Of a haughty, insolent mind, disposed to treat the poor and weak contemptuously and oppressively.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Perils of Pride by C.J. Mahaney | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the struggle with pride as a hindrance to humility. The speaker shares personal experiences and practica |
|
Be Clean Inside by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of inner purity and genuine transformation rather than external appearances or religious rituals. He highlights the need for |
|
Dependence on the Lord - Alternate 1 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping our actions separate from our identity. He warns against using our positions or accomplishments to make ourselves f |
|
Eternity - the Horror of Hell (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the eternal judgment that awaits those in hell. He describes how the Lord Jesus Christ stands over the uncapped place called hell and delive |
|
Beg God for the Miracle of Humility by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in the eyes of God. It highlights how God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, as seen in Psa |
|
I Said Yes When I Should Have Said No by Jim Logan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of a deep prayer life, reflecting on the impact of praying with individuals like Alan George and Mark Bubeck. It delves into the concept of 'y |
|
Revival by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, brokenness, and contrition in drawing near to God for revival. It highlights the need to address pride, seek God's presence, and |