Proverbs 17:11
Proverbs 17:11 in Multiple Translations
An evil man seeks only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
An evil man seeketh only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
An uncontrolled man is only looking for trouble, so a cruel servant will be sent against him.
Evil people are only looking to rebel, so a cruel messenger will be sent to attack them.
A sedicious person seeketh onely euill, and a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
An evil man seeketh only rebellion, And a fierce messenger is sent against him.
An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
An evil man always seeketh quarrels: but a cruel angel shall be sent against him.
Because wicked people are always trying to cause trouble, someone will be sent to severely punish them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:11
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 17:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַךְ
מְרִ֥י
יְבַקֶּשׁ
רָ֑ע
וּ/מַלְאָ֥ךְ
אַ֝כְזָרִ֗י
יְשֻׁלַּח
בּֽ/וֹ
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
מְרִ֥י
mᵉrîy
H4805
rebellion
N-ms
יְבַקֶּשׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
וּ/מַלְאָ֥ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
Conj | N-ms
אַ֝כְזָרִ֗י
ʼakzârîy
H394
cruel
Adj
יְשֻׁלַּח
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
בּֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
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 17:11
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
מְרִ֥י
mᵉrîy
H4805
"rebellion"
N-ms
Rebellion or bitterness, often used to describe someone who is against authority. It can also mean being rebellious or having a bitter attitude.
Definition: 1) rebellion 1a) rebellion 1b) rebellious (in construct)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bitter, (most) rebel(-lion, -lious). See also: Numbers 17:25; Ezekiel 2:8; Proverbs 17:11.
יְבַקֶּשׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
רָ֑ע
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.
וּ/מַלְאָ֥ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
Conj | N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
אַ֝כְזָרִ֗י
ʼakzârîy
H394
"cruel"
Adj
This Hebrew word means cruel, describing someone who is harsh or unkind. It appears in the Bible to describe cruel people. The KJV translates it as cruel.
Definition: cruel
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: cruel (one). See also: Proverbs 5:9; Isaiah 13:9; Proverbs 11:17.
יְשֻׁלַּח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
בּֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:11
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:11
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:11
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:11
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
9Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.
10A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.
11An evil man seeks only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly. 13If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 2:46 | Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 16:5–9 | As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. He threw stones at David and at all the servants of the king, though the troops and all the mighty men were on David’s right and left. And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! The LORD has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, you have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!” Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 18:15 | And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. |
| 4 | Matthew 22:7 | The king was enraged, and he sent his troops to destroy those murderers and burn their city. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 2:31 | And the king replied, “Do just as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and so remove from me and from the house of my father the innocent blood that Joab shed. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 2:24–25 | And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” So King Solomon sent the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck down Adonijah, and he died. |
| 7 | Luke 19:27 | And these enemies of mine who were unwilling for me to rule over them, bring them here and slay them in front of me.’” |
| 8 | Matthew 21:41 | “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and will rent out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share of the fruit at harvest time.” |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 20:22 | Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem. |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 18:19 | Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has avenged him of his enemies.” |
Proverbs 17:11 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 17:11, tells us that people who are evil and always looking for ways to cause trouble will eventually face punishment. The punishment might come through someone or something that seems cruel or harsh, but it's a result of their own actions. This reminds us to always try to do what is right and to listen to those in authority over us, like parents or leaders, as seen in Ephesians 6:1-3 where children are instructed to obey their parents. By following God's ways and being obedient, we can avoid the kind of trouble that comes to those who continually seek rebellion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'seek only rebellion' in Proverbs 17:11?
To seek only rebellion means to continually look for ways to disobey or resist authority, much like the attitude described in Romans 13:2, where those who resist authority will bring judgment on themselves.
Who is the 'cruel messenger' sent against the evil man?
The 'cruel messenger' could be a reference to a divine agent of judgment, such as an angel, or a human authority figure, like a judge or a ruler, similar to the concept in Isaiah 10:5-6 where God uses one nation to punish another.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse serves as a warning to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring we are not continually seeking rebellion against God or others, lest we face the consequences, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8 where we reap what we sow.
Is this verse saying that all evil people will be punished immediately?
No, the verse is not promising immediate punishment, but rather stating that those who continually seek rebellion will eventually face judgment, as indicated in Ecclesiastes 8:11, which notes that when the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of people are fully given to doing evil.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways might I be 'seeking rebellion' in my own life, and how can I turn from this path?
- How do I respond when faced with authority or correction, and what does this reveal about my heart?
- What are some examples of 'cruel messengers' that God has used throughout history to bring judgment, and what can I learn from these examples?
- How can I cultivate a heart that is receptive to correction and willing to submit to authority, as described in Proverbs 10:8?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:11
An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion,.... For he seeks nothing but what is evil; and all sin is rebellion against God, a contempt of his laws, and a transgression of them; a trampling upon his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:11
An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. An evil (man) seeketh only rebellion - so the Septuagint and Arabic.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:11
An evil man seeketh only rebellion; it is the constant study and business of wicked men to rebel, either, 1. Against men in authority. But this is not universally true, for many most wicked persons are not guilty of that sin. Or rather, 2. Against God. For, 1. Thus it is true of all wicked men. 2. This word is used of rebellion against God, ,6 3:9, &c. 3. This word being put alone, without any addition of the object, seems most probably to be meant of the highest and worst kind of rebellion, according to the common rule of interpretation in such cases. A cruel messenger; or, a cruel angel; the angel of death, the devil, or some bloody men employed by God to avenge his quarrel; or some dreadful punishment; it being very usual in Scripture to represent things under the notion of persons, as Romans 8, and elsewhere.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:11
Proverbs 17:11 An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.Ver. 11. An evil man seeketh only rebellion.] Viz., How to gainstand and mischief those that by words or stripes seek to reclaim him. Some read it thus, ‘ The rebellious seeketh mischief only’ ; he is set upon sin, he shall be sure of punishment. No warnings will serve obdurate hearts. Wicked men are even ambitious of destruction. Judgments need not go to find them out; they run to meet their bane - they seek it, and as it were send for it. But this they need not do, "for a cruel messenger shall be sent against him." God hath forces enough at hand to fetch in his rebels - viz., good and evil angels, stars, meteors, elements - other creatures, reasonable, unreasonable, insensible. The stones in the wall of Aphek shall sooner turn executioners than a rebellious Aramite shall escape unrevenged; not to speak of hell torments prepared for the devil and his angels, and by them to be inflicted on rebels and reprobates.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:11
(11) An evil man seeketh only rebellion.—Or. A rebellious man (literally, rebellion; comp. Ezekiel 2:7) seeketh only evil.A cruel messenger.—Such as the “chief of the executioners” (margin of Gen 37:36), who was always ready to carry out the bidding of an Oriental king. (Comp. 1 Kings 2:34; 1 Kings 2:46.) The ministers of the Divine wrath against impenitent sinners appear as “tormentors” in Matthew 18:34. (For the office of the angels in the same work, comp. Revelation 8:6, sqq.)
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:11
11. rebellion] This, in its highest reference, is an anticipation of the divine philosophy of St John, “sin is lawlessness” (ἡἁμαρτίαἐστὶνἡἀνομία). “Sin is lawlessness. Sin and lawlessness are convertible terms. Sin is not an arbitrary conception; it is the assertion of the selfish will against a paramount authority. He who sins breaks, not only by accident or in an isolated detail, but essentially, the law which he was created to fulfil,” Westcott on 1 John 3:4. a cruel messenger] The stern, implacable minister of the rebel’s doom. Comp., for illustration, 1 Kings 2:25; 1 Kings 2:34. The LXX. refer the sending of the merciless messenger, whether human or angelic, to Jehovah, against whom ultimately all rebellion is aimed: ὁδὲκύριοςἄγγελονἀνελεήμοναἐκπέμψειαὐτῷ.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:11
The proverb expresses the reverence of the East for the supreme authority of the king. The “cruel messenger” is probably the king’s officer despatched to subdue and punish.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:11
11. An evil man — An evil citizen. Seeketh… rebellion — Endeavours to promote disorders in society and insubordination to law. A cruel messenger, etc. — Such men may expect, sooner or later, the vengeance of the government.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Casting Pearls Before Swine by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preparing hearts for the presence of God. He references 1 Corinthians 14:24-25, where it is stated that unbelievers and the |
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God Calling Telling and Warning by Robin McKeown | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the purpose of the Gospel tent that has been set up in Ploughies Park for the past two weeks. He emphasizes that God is calling people to c |
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To Know God by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting God's invitation to engage with Him. He warns that rejecting this proposal will lead to damnation and eternal se |
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God's Agency in War by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes God's sovereignty and agency in the affairs of nations, particularly in times of war and judgment. He argues that just as God punished nations in the Old Testa |
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Resitution - Fruit Meet for Repentance by Mose Stoltzfus | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and possessions. He uses the example of fire, stating that starting a fire carries t |
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Luke 23:38 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of Jesus as the King of the Jews, tracing the title from His birth through His crucifixion. He highlights how Jesus' kingship was acknowledg |
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Looking at God by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of 'lofty things' as described in the Bible, referring to proud obstacles or arrogant thoughts that exalt themselves against the knowledge of G |