Proverbs 29:16
Proverbs 29:16 in Multiple Translations
When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth; But the righteous shall look upon their fall.
When evil men are in power, wrongdoing is increased; but the upright will have pleasure when they see their downfall.
When the wicked are in power, sin increases; but the good will see their downfall.
When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth: but ye righteous shall see their fall.
In the multiplying of the wicked transgression multiplieth, And the righteous on their fall do look.
When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
When the wicked are multiplied, crimes shall be multiplied: but the just shall see their downfall.
When wicked people rule, there are more crimes committed {people commit more crimes}, but some day those wicked people will ◄be defeated/no longer rule►, and righteous people will see that happen.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:16
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 29:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּ/רְב֣וֹת
רְ֭שָׁעִים
יִרְבֶּה
פָּ֑שַׁע
וְ֝/צַדִּיקִ֗ים
בְּֽ/מַפַּלְתָּ֥/ם
יִרְאֽוּ
בִּ/רְב֣וֹת
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
רְ֭שָׁעִים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
יִרְבֶּה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
פָּ֑שַׁע
peshaʻ
H6588
transgression
N-ms
וְ֝/צַדִּיקִ֗ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Conj | Adj
בְּֽ/מַפַּלְתָּ֥/ם
mappeleth
H4658
carcass
Prep | N-fs | Suff
יִרְאֽוּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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 29:16
בִּ/רְב֣וֹת
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
רְ֭שָׁעִים
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.
יִרְבֶּה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
פָּ֑שַׁע
peshaʻ
H6588
"transgression"
N-ms
Transgression refers to a revolt or rebellion against God or others, resulting in guilt and punishment, as in Genesis 3:6-7. It involves intentional disobedience.
Definition: 1) transgression, rebellion 1a1) transgression (against individuals) 1a2) transgression (nation against nation) 1a3) transgression (against God) 1a3a) in general 1a3b) as recognised by sinner 1a3c) as God deals with it 1a3d) as God forgives 1a4) guilt of transgression 1a5) punishment for transgression 1a6) offering for transgression
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 29:6; Psalms 5:11.
וְ֝/צַדִּיקִ֗ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Conj | Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
בְּֽ/מַפַּלְתָּ֥/ם
mappeleth
H4658
"carcass"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word can mean a carcass or a ruin, often referring to the aftermath of a disaster. In the Bible, it is used to describe the fall of a city or a person. The prophet Ezekiel wrote about the ruin of Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) carcass, ruin, overthrow 1a) carcass 1b) ruin, overthrow
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: carcase, fall, ruin. See also: Judges 14:8; Ezekiel 27:27; Proverbs 29:16.
יִרְאֽוּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:16
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
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.
16When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. 18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:36 | yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found. |
| 2 | Psalms 91:8 | You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked. |
| 3 | Psalms 58:10 | The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. |
| 4 | Psalms 92:11 | My eyes see the downfall of my enemies; my ears hear the wailing of my wicked foes. |
| 5 | Psalms 37:34 | Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it. |
| 6 | Proverbs 29:2 | When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. |
| 7 | Psalms 112:8 | His heart is assured; he does not fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes. |
| 8 | Revelation 18:20 | Rejoice over her, O heaven, O saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her. |
| 9 | Revelation 15:4 | Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.” |
| 10 | Psalms 92:9 | For surely Your enemies, O LORD, surely Your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered. |
Proverbs 29:16 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 29:16, reminds us that when bad people are in charge and doing well, it can lead to more people rebelling against God and authority, as also seen in other verses like Proverbs 11:5-6. But it also promises that good people will see the bad people face consequences for their actions, which can be a source of hope and comfort, as noted in Psalm 37:7-9. This verse encourages us to trust in God's goodness and justice, even when things don't seem fair, and to wait on Him to bring about righteousness and justice, as promised in Isaiah 30:18 and other verses like Psalm 37:3-7. By trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, we can have peace and confidence, even in difficult times, knowing that He will ultimately bring about justice and righteousness, as promised in Proverbs 29:16 and throughout Scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the wicked to thrive, and how does this impact society?
When the wicked thrive, it means they are prospering and gaining power, often at the expense of others, as seen in Proverbs 29:16. This can lead to increased rebellion and lawlessness, as noted in this verse, and is also warned against in Psalm 37:7-9, where the Psalmist encourages the righteous to wait on God and not be envious of the prosperity of the wicked.
How can the righteous see the downfall of the wicked, and what does this mean for our daily lives?
The phrase 'the righteous will see their downfall' in Proverbs 29:16 means that ultimately, God will bring justice and the wicked will face consequences for their actions, as also promised in Psalm 37:13 and Proverbs 11:5-6. This can be a source of hope and comfort for believers as they navigate a world filled with injustice and evil.
Is it wrong to desire the downfall of the wicked, or can this be a righteous desire?
While it's natural to desire justice and see the wicked face consequences for their actions, as a Christian, our primary focus should be on loving and praying for our enemies, as taught in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28. We should not rejoice in the downfall of the wicked, but rather, trust in God's sovereignty and justice, knowing that He will ultimately bring about righteousness and justice, as promised in Proverbs 29:16 and throughout Scripture.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and justice?
Proverbs 29:16 highlights God's sovereignty and justice, reminding us that He is ultimately in control and will bring about justice, even if it doesn't always seem that way in the short term, as seen in Habakkuk 2:3 and Psalm 37:7-9. This verse encourages us to trust in God's goodness and justice, even when we don't understand the circumstances around us, and to wait on Him to bring about righteousness and justice, as promised in Isaiah 30:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you see the wicked thriving in the world around you, and how can you pray for God's justice and righteousness to prevail?
- How can you trust in God's sovereignty and justice when it seems like the wicked are prospering and the righteous are suffering, as noted in Proverbs 29:16 and other verses like Psalm 73:2-3 and Habakkuk 1:13?
- What does it mean for you to 'see the downfall' of the wicked, and how can you respond in a way that honors God and reflects His heart of love and justice, as taught in verses like Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28?
- How can you balance the desire for justice and the downfall of the wicked with the command to love and pray for your enemies, as seen in verses like Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:16
When the wicked are multiplied,.... Or "are in authority" (r); as the word is rendered, Proverbs 29:2; transgression increaseth; among the common people, being encouraged by their wicked rulers,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:16
When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:16
Are multiplied; or rather, are advanced, because this is opposed to their falling in the next clause; and so this Hebrew word is taken above, . Transgression increaseth; sin and sinners abound and grow impudent by impunity, and the example and encouragement of such rulers. Their fall; the destruction of such transgressors in due time.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:16
Proverbs 29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.Ver. 16. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth.] As saith the proverb of the ancients: Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked. Miserable man hath, by his fall from God, contracted a necessity of sinning against God. And when a rabble of rebels are gotten together, are grown many and mighty, they make account to carry all before them, and not to suffer a godly man to live - as in Spain, and where the Inquisition is admitted. But the righteous shall see their fall; shall see it and rejoice at it, as the Hebrew doctors expound this text by comparing it with Obadiah 1:12-13, "Thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day of his calamity, neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah," &c. "The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance"; being moved with a zeal of God, he shall rejoice with trembling; "he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked"; beholding their ruin he shall become more cautious; "so that a man shall say," - any man but of an ordinary capacity shall make this observation - "Verily, there is a reward for the righteous; verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth," that will sink to the bottom the bottle of wickedness, when once filled with those bitter waters. Alterius perditio tua cautio.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:16
(16) But the righteous shall see their fall with joy (Psalms 54:7), having long expected it (ibid, Psalms 73:18, sqq.).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:16
Verse 16. When the wicked are multiplied] That, in the multiplication of the wicked transgression is increased, requires no proof; but an important doctrine attaches to this. On this account wicked nations and wicked families are cut off and rooted out. Were it not so righteousness would in process of time be banished from the earth. This will account for many of the numerous instances in which whole families fail.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:16
16. are multiplied] “Or, are in authority,” R.V. marg. See Proverbs 29:2, note. shall see] shall look upon, R.V., with thoughtful satisfaction. Comp. Psalms 37:34; Psalms 112:8.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:16
16. When the wicked are multiplied — Magnified, become great in power, authority, office. Transgression increaseth — Becomes great; crimes are greater in number and in enormity from the example or complicity of those in power.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Godly Home) Part 13 - the Training of the Will by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of training the will as the foundation for a prosperous spiritual life. He emphasizes the significance of parents teaching the |
|
Philemon I. 17-19 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, using the letter of Paul to Philemon as a powerful example. He emphasizes the need to extend grace and |
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Keeping Your Spirit Focused by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience not to worry or be envious of those who do wrong. He emphasizes the temporary nature of evil and compares it to withering grass |
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David's Prayer of Distress by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on Psalm 6, which is a prayer of distress by David. David expresses his deep sorrow and grief, comparing his tears to a flood that has so |
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1 Peter 5:6 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the importance of humility before God, urging believers to submit quietly to His will and endure afflictions without complaint. He explains that being under th |
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Letter 198. by James Bourne | James Bourne emphasizes the importance of waiting upon the Lord, sharing personal experiences of carrying burdens and finding solace in God's promises. Through meditating on Psalms |
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Turning the Tide - Part 1 by Charles Stanley | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings throughout history to avoid the consequences of disobedience. It reflects on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden |