Proverbs 22:23
Proverbs 22:23 in Multiple Translations
for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.
For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
For Jehovah will plead their cause, And despoil of life those that despoil them.
For the Lord will give support to their cause, and take the life of those who take their goods.
for the Lord will plead their case, and he will take back whatever was stolen from them.
For the Lord will defende their cause, and spoyle the soule of those that spoyle them.
For Jehovah pleadeth their cause, And hath spoiled the soul of their spoilers.
for the LORD will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.
For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
Because the Lord will judge his cause, and will afflict them that have afflicted his soul.
because Yahweh will speak to defend them, and he will punish those who steal things from others—by causing them to die.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:23
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 22:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
יְ֭הוָה
יָרִ֣יב
רִיבָ֑/ם
וְ/קָבַ֖ע
אֶת
קֹבְעֵי/הֶ֣ם
נָֽפֶשׁ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
יָרִ֣יב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
רִיבָ֑/ם
rîyb
H7379
strife
N-cs | Suff
וְ/קָבַ֖ע
qâbaʻ
H6906
to rob
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
קֹבְעֵי/הֶ֣ם
qâbaʻ
H6906
to rob
V-Qal | Suff
נָֽפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
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 22:23
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
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.
יָרִ֣יב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
רִיבָ֑/ם
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
וְ/קָבַ֖ע
qâbaʻ
H6906
"to rob"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To rob or defraud someone by covering up the truth, like hiding or taking something that doesn't belong to you. It's about being dishonest or deceitful for personal gain.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to rob 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: rob, spoil. See also: Proverbs 22:23; Malachi 3:8; Malachi 3:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
קֹבְעֵי/הֶ֣ם
qâbaʻ
H6906
"to rob"
V-Qal | Suff
To rob or defraud someone by covering up the truth, like hiding or taking something that doesn't belong to you. It's about being dishonest or deceitful for personal gain.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to rob 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: rob, spoil. See also: Proverbs 22:23; Malachi 3:8; Malachi 3:9.
נָֽפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:23
Context — Saying 2
21to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?
22Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate,
23for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.
24Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, 25or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 12:5 | “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.” |
| 2 | Psalms 140:12 | I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy. |
| 3 | Proverbs 23:11 | for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 51:36 | Therefore this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I will plead your case and take vengeance on your behalf; I will dry up her sea and make her springs run dry. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 25:39 | On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking for her in marriage. |
| 6 | Psalms 35:10 | All my bones will exclaim, “Who is like You, O LORD, who delivers the afflicted from the aggressor, the poor and needy from the robber?” |
| 7 | Psalms 43:1 | Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men. |
| 8 | Malachi 3:5 | “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 9 | Micah 7:9 | Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 50:34 | Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Hosts is His name. He will fervently plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to those who live in Babylon. |
Proverbs 22:23 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 22:23, reminds us that God is a defender of the poor and the oppressed, and He will punish those who take advantage of them (as seen in Psalms 140:12). It's a warning to us to treat others with kindness and respect, especially those who are less fortunate than us. We should care for the poor and not take advantage of them, because God will hold us accountable for our actions (as mentioned in Proverbs 19:17). By caring for the poor, we are actually lending to God and He will reward us for our kindness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the LORD to 'take up their case' in Proverbs 22:23?
This means that God will personally advocate for those who are being oppressed or robbed, as seen in Psalms 140:12, where it says that God will maintain the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor.
Who are the people being referred to as 'those who rob them' in this verse?
The people being referred to are those who take advantage of the poor and the afflicted, as mentioned in the preceding verse, Proverbs 22:22, where it warns against robbing a poor man because he is poor.
What is the consequence for those who rob the poor, according to this verse?
The consequence is that the LORD will 'plunder those who rob them', which means that God will bring judgment and punishment upon those who oppress the poor, as also seen in Isaiah 3:14-15, where it talks about God's judgment on those who oppress the poor.
How does this verse relate to our responsibility to care for the poor?
This verse emphasizes the importance of caring for the poor and not taking advantage of them, as also taught in Proverbs 19:17, where it says that whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward them for what they have done.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of not robbing the poor to my own life and actions?
- What are some ways that I can 'take up the case' of those who are being oppressed or marginalized in my community?
- How does the promise of God's judgment on those who oppress the poor impact my attitude towards caring for the needy?
- What are some practical steps I can take to 'lend to the LORD' by caring for the poor, as mentioned in Proverbs 19:17?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:23
For the Lord will plead their cause,.... If counsellors at the bar will not, he will; if judges on the bench will not do them justice, he will; he will judge the poor of the people; he will plead
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:23
For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. For the Lord will plead their cause (Jeremiah 50:34), and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. Retribution in kind.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:23
Will plead their cause; which he hath in a peculiar manner undertaken to do. Spoil the soul; take away not only their goods, but their lives too; so fully will he recompense their wickedness to them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:23
Proverbs 22:23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.Ver. 23. For the Lord will plead their cause.] Without fee, for those that come to him forma pauperis, and without fear of their oppressors, against whom he will plead with pestilence and with blood, as he did against the house of Saul for the poor Gibeonites, and against Ahab for Naboth. And spoil the soul (or life) of those that spoiled them.] A poor man’ s livelihood is his life. He is in his house as a snail in his shell; crush that, and you kill him quite. God therefore, who loves par pari referre, to pay oppressors home in their own coin, will have life for life, if they may escape so, and not be cast to hell among those cruel ones. Oh that these cannibals would think of this, before the cold grave hold their bodies, and hot hell hold their souls.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:23
Verse 23. For the Lord will plead their cause] Wo therefore to them that oppress them, for they will have God, not the poor, to deal with.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:23
23. soul] Rather, life. And despoil of life those that despoil them, R.V.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:23
22, 23. Neither oppress… in the gate — The “gate” was the place of public resort, where courts were held, and causes tried and decided.
Sermons on Proverbs 22:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Three Secrets to Conquer Fear by Josef Tson | In this sermon, the pastor shares a personal experience of being kidnapped and beaten by the secret police. Despite the terrifying situation, he recalls how the Lord gave him the s |
|
Spiritual Depression by Carter Conlon | This sermon addresses spiritual depression among the godly, emphasizing the challenges faced in a society marked by godlessness and the need to trust in God's promises. It draws pa |
|
Psalm 12 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the comfort found in the company of holy men, the power of prayer to bring God's presence and joy, the insincerity of ungodly conversation, the blinding po |
|
The Lord, the Saints' Avenger by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes that God is the Avenger of the oppressed, standing firmly with the saints against injustice and oppression. He illustrates this with a missionary story |
|
Help Comes in the Morning! by Elmer G. Klassen | Elmer G. Klassen preaches on the importance of spending time alone with God in the morning, emphasizing that morning is the best time for personal worship and fellowship with God. |
|
Prayer in the Time of Trouble by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the issue of seeking righteous judgment from God in the face of an ungodly nation. He begins by acknowledging the sad reality of a nati |
|
Psalm 43: A Cry of Distress by Art Katz | Art Katz explores Psalm 43, emphasizing the psalmist's deep distress and his struggle to reconcile his experiences with his understanding of God's character. The psalmist's cry for |