Proverbs 29:13
Proverbs 29:13 in Multiple Translations
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
The poor man and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.
The poor man and his creditor come face to face: the Lord gives light to their eyes equally.
Poor people and their oppressors have this in common: the Lord gives life to all of them.
The poore and the vsurer meete together, and the Lord lighteneth both their eyes.
The poor and the man of frauds have met together, Jehovah is enlightening the eyes of them both.
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.
The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD enlighteneth both their eyes.
The poor man and the creditor have met one another: the Lord is the enlightener of them both.
There is one thing that is true about both poor people and those who oppress them: Yahweh enables all of them to see.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:13
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 29:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רָ֤שׁ
וְ/אִ֣ישׁ
תְּכָכִ֣ים
נִפְגָּ֑שׁוּ
מֵ֤אִיר
עֵינֵ֖י
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֣ם
יְהוָֽה
רָ֤שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
be poor
V-Qal
וְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
תְּכָכִ֣ים
tâkâk
H8501
deceitful
N-mp
נִפְגָּ֑שׁוּ
pâgash
H6298
to meet
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
מֵ֤אִיר
ʼôwr
H215
to light
V-Hiphil
עֵינֵ֖י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֣ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj | Suff
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
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 29:13
רָ֤שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
"be poor"
V-Qal
To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.
Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.
וְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
תְּכָכִ֣ים
tâkâk
H8501
"deceitful"
N-mp
This word refers to something that is deceitful or oppressive, often describing an act of injury or exploitation. It appears in various biblical books, including the Psalms and Proverbs, to warn against harmful behavior. Understanding this concept helps readers grasp the importance of justice and fairness in the Bible.
Definition: injury, oppression, oppressor Another spelling of tokh (תֹּךְ "oppression" H8496)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: deceitful. See also: Proverbs 29:13.
נִפְגָּ֑שׁוּ
pâgash
H6298
"to meet"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To meet or encounter someone, like when people come together by chance or on purpose. It appears in the Bible when people gather or run into each other.
Definition: 1) to meet, join, encounter 1a) (Qal) to meet, encounter 1b) (Niphal) to meet together, meet each other 1c) (Piel) to meet, encounter
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: meet (with, together). See also: Genesis 32:18; Psalms 85:11; Proverbs 17:12.
מֵ֤אִיר
ʼôwr
H215
"to light"
V-Hiphil
Or means to give light, whether physically or spiritually, as in Psalm 119:105 where God's word is a light to our path.
Definition: 1) to be or become light, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become light (day) 1a2) to shine (of the sun) 1a3) to become bright 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be illuminated 1b2) to become lighted up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give light, shine (of sun, moon, and stars) 1c2) to illumine, light up, cause to shine, shine 1c3) to kindle, light (candle, wood) 1c4) lighten (of the eyes, his law, etc) 1c5) to make shine (of the face)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break of day, glorious, kindle, (be, en-, give, show) light (-en, -ened), set on fire, shine. See also: Genesis 1:15; Psalms 67:2; Psalms 13:4.
עֵינֵ֖י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
שְׁנֵי/הֶ֣ם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:13
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:13
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:13
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
11A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
12If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever. 15A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 5:45 | that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. |
| 2 | Proverbs 22:2 | The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all. |
| 3 | Psalms 13:3 | Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death, |
| 4 | Ephesians 2:1 | And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, |
| 5 | Exodus 22:25–26 | If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest. If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, |
| 6 | Leviticus 25:35–37 | Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 5:5–7 | We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” When I heard their outcry and these complaints, I became extremely angry, and after serious thought I rebuked the nobles and officials, saying, “You are exacting usury from your own brothers!” So I called a large assembly against them |
| 8 | Matthew 9:9 | As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 6:10 | nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. |
Proverbs 29:13 Summary
This verse reminds us that God cares about everyone, regardless of their situation in life. He gives wisdom and understanding to both the poor and those who may be taking advantage of them, showing that He desires all people to know and follow Him. As seen in Matthew 5:45, God's love and care extend to all people, and we should strive to reflect that in our own lives. By seeking God's wisdom and guidance, we can work towards creating a more just and compassionate world, as encouraged in Micah 6:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the poor and the oppressor have something in common?
According to Proverbs 29:13, both the poor and the oppressor receive light from God, indicating that He is the source of all understanding and wisdom, as seen in Psalm 119:130 and James 1:5.
Is the oppressor in this verse a righteous person?
No, the oppressor is not a righteous person, as they are taking advantage of others, but God still gives them light, showing His mercy and desire for all to know Him, as stated in Romans 2:4 and Matthew 5:45.
How does this verse relate to social justice?
This verse highlights that God is concerned with the well-being of all people, regardless of their social status, and desires fairness and justice, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9 and Isaiah 1:17.
What is the significance of 'light to the eyes' in this verse?
The phrase 'light to the eyes' symbolizes understanding, wisdom, and spiritual insight, as seen in Ephesians 1:18 and Psalm 19:8, emphasizing God's role in illuminating our minds and hearts.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, as a believer, demonstrate God's heart for the poor and oppressed in my community?
- In what ways have I experienced God's light and wisdom in my own life, and how can I share that with others?
- What are some areas where I may be unintentionally oppressing or neglecting others, and how can I seek God's guidance to change?
- How can I balance the desire for justice with the need for mercy and compassion, as seen in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:13
The poor and the deceitful man meet together,.... Or "the usurer" (q); who by usury, by fraud and deception, is possessed of the mammon of unrighteousness, and is become rich; he and the poor man
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:13
The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. The poor and the deceitful man (Hebrew, the usurer; the creditor, the Septuagint and Vulgate.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:13
The deceitful man, Heb. the man of deceits, or of usuries, i.e. who hath enriched himself by such practices, meet together; converse together, and one needeth the other, as . The Lord lighteneth both their eyes; either their bodily eyes with the light of the sun, which promiscuously shines upon both; or the eyes of their minds with the light of reason and grace, which he indifferently gives to them; and therefore the one should not envy nor despise the other, but be ready to do good one to another, as God doth good to both.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:13
Proverbs 29:13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.Ver. 13. The poor and the usurer meet together.] That is, The poor and the rich, as Proverbs 22:2; because commonly usurers are rich men, and many rich men usurers. "The Lord lighteneth both their eyes"; that is, he gives them the light of life, and the comforts of life, so that their eyes are lightened, as Jonathan’ s were after he had tasted of the wild honey. Others read it thus: "The poor and the deceived," or crushed by the usurer, "meet together" - that is, condole or comfort one another; because they are both in the dark, as it were, of poverty and misery; they can do one another but little help, more than by commending their cases to God, who thereupon "enlighteneth them both" - that is, either he supplies their wants, and so their eyes are opened, as Jonathan’ s were; or else gives them patience, as he did those believing Hebrews. But "call to remembrance the former days in which after ye were illuminated" - viz., to see the glory that shall be revealed, whereof all the sufferings of this life are not worthy - ye endured a great fight of affliction. If we read it, "The poor and the usurer meet together: the Lord enlighteneth both their eyes," understand it thus: The poor man he enlighteneth by patience, the usurer by repentance, and grace to "break off his sins by righteousness, and his iniquity by showing mercy to the poor," as Zaccheus, Matthew, and those usurious Jews did.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:13
(13) The poor and the deceitful man (rather, oppressor) meet together.—A variation of Pro 22:2, on which see note. The Lord lighteneth both their eyes.—Enlightens the eyes of both with the light of life (Psalms 13:4). To Him each owes life, so the one may remember that life with its sorrows will have an end, and the other, that He will take stern vengeance for oppression.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:13
Verse 13. The poor and the deceitful man] It is difficult to fix the meaning of תככים techachim, which we here render the deceitful man. The TARGUM has, "The poor and the man of LITTLE WEALTH." The SEPTUAGINT, "The usurer and the DEBTOR." The VULGATE, "The poor and CREDITOR." COVERDALE, "The poor and the LENDER." OTHERS, "The poor and the RICH;" "The poor and the OPPRESSORS." I suppose the meaning may be the same as in Proverbs 22:2: "The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all." Where see the note.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:13
13. deceitful man] Rather, oppressor. The rendering usurer, A.V. marg., which follows the LXX. δανειστής, and Vulg. creditor, restricts the reference to one form of oppression. lighteneth both their eyes] i.e. with the light of life, Psalms 13:3 [Hebrews 4]. Comp. “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good,” Matthew 5:45; and see ch. Proverbs 22:2.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:13
Better, The poor and the oppressor. “Usurer,” as in the margin expresses the special form of oppression from which the poor suffer most at the hands of the rich. God has made them both and bestows His light equally on both.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:13
13. Deceitful man — ΰιωׁ ϊλλιν, (ish tekhakhim,) the man of oppression or exactions; the usurer, etc.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Basics) 55. Praying Putting God First by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of putting God first in our lives and prayers. Jesus taught us to seek God's kingdom and glory before our own needs. By start |
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(Basics) 42. Jesus Love Is Seen in His Dying by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God blesses us with material possessions so that we can use them to bless others. Jesus taught that it i |
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(2 Corinthians) ch.6:3-7:5 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the letter of Paul to the Corinthians as an autobiography of Paul's inner life. The speaker emphasizes the importance of genuine love and spe |
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God Vindicated His Righteousness by John Piper | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of God's forgiveness and the importance of the cross of Christ. He emphasizes that if God were to overlook sin, it would dim |
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The New Heart by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the necessity of the great promise of God. He acknowledges that this may be obvious to Christians, but it is important for the conviction of |
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Doing Good to Others by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power, and that he went about d |
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Judging or Esteeming? by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a man who was critical of preachers and caused disruptions during church business meetings for 25 years. The preacher the |