Proverbs 24:20
Proverbs 24:20 in Multiple Translations
For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.
For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
For there shall be no reward to the evil man; The lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
For there will be no future for the evil man; the light of sinners will be put out.
for evil people have no future—the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
For there shall bee none ende of plagues to the euill man: the light of the wicked shall bee put out.
For there is not a posterity to the evil, The lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
for there will be no reward to the evil man. The lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
For there shall be no reward to the evil man ; the candle of the wicked shall be extinguished.
For evil men have no hope of things to come, and the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
because nothing good will happen to wicked people; they are like a lamp that will soon be extinguished [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:20
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 24:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
לֹֽא
תִהְיֶ֣ה
אַחֲרִ֣ית
לָ/רָ֑ע
נֵ֖ר
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
יִדְעָֽךְ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אַחֲרִ֣ית
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
N-fs
לָ/רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | Adj
נֵ֖ר
nîyr
H5216
lamp
N-ms
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
יִדְעָֽךְ
dâʻak
H1846
to put out
V-Qal-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 24:20
כִּ֤י
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.
לֹֽא
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.
תִהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אַחֲרִ֣ית
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
N-fs
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
לָ/רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | 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.
נֵ֖ר
nîyr
H5216
"lamp"
N-ms
A lamp is a device that holds a flame, providing light. In the Bible, it's often used to symbolize guidance or spiritual light. The word can also refer to the light itself, rather than just the lamp.
Definition: lamp Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: candle, lamp, light. See also: Exodus 25:37; 1 Chronicles 28:15; Psalms 18:29.
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
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.
יִדְעָֽךְ
dâʻak
H1846
"to put out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to put out or extinguish, like a flame or a life. It can also mean to dry up or be consumed, often used to describe the end of something.
Definition: 1) to go out, be extinguished, dry up 1a) (Qal) to go out, be extinguished 1b) (Niphal) to be made extinct, be dried up 1c) (Pual) to be extinguished, be quenched
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: be extinct, consumed, put out, quenched. See also: Job 6:17; Psalms 118:12; Proverbs 13:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:20
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:20
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:20
Context — Saying 29
18or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.
19Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked.
20For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.
21My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. 22For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 13:9 | The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished. |
| 2 | Job 18:5–6 | Indeed, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow. The light in his tent grows dark, and the lamp beside him goes out. |
| 3 | Psalms 11:6 | On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion. |
| 4 | Proverbs 20:20 | Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness. |
| 5 | Job 21:17 | How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? Does disaster come upon them? Does God, in His anger, apportion destruction? |
| 6 | Isaiah 3:11 | Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done. |
| 7 | Proverbs 23:18 | For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. |
| 8 | Matthew 25:8 | The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ |
| 9 | Jude 1:13 | They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. |
| 10 | Matthew 8:12 | But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” |
Proverbs 24:20 Summary
[This verse is saying that people who do bad things and don't follow God will not have a good future, as it says in Proverbs 24:20. It's like their light will be turned off, and they will be in darkness. On the other hand, people who follow God and do good will have a bright future, as seen in Psalm 37:37. We can trust that God will take care of everything and that His plan is perfect, as stated in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when the verse says the evil man has no future?
This means that those who live in rebellion against God will ultimately face judgment and will not experience eternal life, as stated in Proverbs 24:20, and supported by Psalm 37:38, which says the wicked will perish.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by focusing on living a righteous life, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:2, and not worrying about the success of those who do evil, as mentioned in Proverbs 24:19.
Is this verse saying that bad things won't happen to good people?
No, this verse is not saying that bad things won't happen to good people, but rather that ultimately, the wicked will face judgment, as seen in Proverbs 24:20, and the righteous will be rewarded, as seen in Psalm 37:9-11.
How does this verse relate to the concept of eternal life?
This verse relates to the concept of eternal life by implying that the wicked will not experience eternal life, while the righteous will, as stated in John 3:36 and supported by Proverbs 12:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can focus on living a righteous life, despite the evil that surrounds me?
- How can I trust that God will ultimately bring judgment on those who do evil, even when it seems like they are prospering?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be envying the wicked or fretting over evildoers, and how can I surrender those concerns to God?
- In what ways can I be a light in a dark world, shining the love of Christ to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:20
For there shall be no reward to the evil [man],.... No reward of good things, such as is for the righteous in a way of grace; but he shall have a reward of evil things, a just recompence of reward
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:20
For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. For there shall be no reward to the evil (man) - contrast end of Pro 24:14.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:20
There shall be no reward to the evil man; all his hopes and happiness shall quickly and eternally perish, and he shall have the share in those solid felicities and blessed recompences of a better life which thou shalt enjoy; therefore thou hast no reason to envy him. The candle of the wicked shall be put out; all their comfort and glory shall cease.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:20
Proverbs 24:20 For there shall be no reward to the evil [man]; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.Ver. 20. For there shall be no reward.] He shall suffer both pain of loss, and pain of sense, which whether is the more grievous, is hard to determine. Sure it is, that the tears of hell are not sufficient to bewail the loss of heaven; their worm of grief gnaws as painfully as their fire burns. "Depart from me, ye cursed," sounds as harsh in their ears as that which follows, "into everlasting flames."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:20
(20) For there shall be no reward.—Literally, future, as in Proverbs 24:15. The candle of the wicked shall be put out·—See above on Proverbs 13:9.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:20
Verse 20. For there shall be no reward to the evil man] אחרית acharith. There shall not be the future state of blessedness to the wicked. See Clarke on Proverbs 24:14. His candle shall be put out; his prosperity shall finally cease, or he shall have no posterity. Some have thought that this text intimates the annihilation of sinners; but it refers not to being, but to the state or condition of that being. The wicked shall be; but they shall not be HAPPY.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:20
20. reward] See Proverbs 24:14, and Proverbs 23:18, note. candle] Rather, lamp, R.V. Comp. Proverbs 13:9, Proverbs 20:20. The lamp going out accords with the “no reward,” or “future” of the preceding clause.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:20
No reward - literally, “no future,” no life worthy to be called life, no blessing.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:20
20. No reward — No future reward, no hereafter. (Stuart.) There shall be no future of blessedness, whether in this world or the next. Candle — Lamp, a metaphor of prosperity and happiness. Comp.
Sermons on Proverbs 24:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Punishment of the Wicked Dreadful and Interminable. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches a powerful sermon on the eternal punishment that awaits impenitent sinners in a future state, emphasizing the importance of preaching the whole truth of the |
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The Objects, Grounds, and Evidences of the Hope of the Righteous by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the objects, grounds, and evidences of the hope of the righteous in contrast to the despair of the wicked in death. He emphasizes the importance of hav |
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The Cup of Wrath by Andrew Bonar | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the severity of God's wrath and the consequences of sin. He uses imagery of the seven seals, trumpets, and vials from the book of Revelation |
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The Folly of Looking Back in Fleeing Out of Sodom by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the folly of looking back when fleeing out of Sodom, drawing parallels between the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world to the judgment |
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The Vain Securities of the Wicked by Thomas Vincent | Thomas Vincent delivers a powerful sermon on the certainty and dreadfulness of the burnings of hell, emphasizing that they are prepared for the wicked and graceless individuals as |
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Fire and Brimstone in Hell, to Burn the Wicked by Thomas Vincent | Thomas Vincent preaches a powerful sermon on the horrors of hell, describing the future flames and torments awaiting the wicked in vivid detail. He emphasizes the certainty of hell |
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2 Queries About Hell by Christopher Love | Christopher Love preaches about the existence of hell, providing evidence from both the confessions of heathens and the testimony of Scripture. He emphasizes that the nature of sin |