Proverbs 29:2
Proverbs 29:2 in Multiple Translations
When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.
When the upright have power, the people are glad; when an evil man is ruler, grief comes on the people.
When good people are in charge, everybody celebrates; but when the wicked rule, everybody groans.
When the righteous are in authoritie, the people reioyce: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people sigh.
In the multiplying of the righteous the people rejoice, And in the ruling of the wicked the people sigh.
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
When just men increase, the people shall rejoice: when the wicked shall bear rule, the people shall mourn.
When righteous people are rulers, people are happy, but when wicked people rule, people ◄groan/are miserable►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:2
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 29:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּ/רְב֣וֹת
צַ֭דִּיקִים
יִשְׂמַ֣ח
הָ/עָ֑ם
וּ/בִ/מְשֹׁ֥ל
רָ֝שָׁ֗ע
יֵאָ֥נַֽח
עָֽם
בִּ/רְב֣וֹת
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
צַ֭דִּיקִים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
יִשְׂמַ֣ח
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וּ/בִ/מְשֹׁ֥ל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
רָ֝שָׁ֗ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
יֵאָ֥נַֽח
ʼânach
H584
to sigh
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
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 29:2
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.
צַ֭דִּיקִים
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
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.
יִשְׂמַ֣ח
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
הָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וּ/בִ/מְשֹׁ֥ל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
רָ֝שָׁ֗ע
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.
יֵאָ֥נַֽח
ʼânach
H584
"to sigh"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To sigh means to groan or mourn in pain or grief, like an animal moaning, and is used to express deep emotional distress in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Niphal) sigh, groan (in pain or grief), gasp 1a) moan (of cattle)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: groan, mourn, sigh. See also: Exodus 2:23; Lamentations 1:11; Proverbs 29:2.
עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:2
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
1A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. 4By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 28:12 | When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. |
| 2 | Proverbs 11:10 | When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. |
| 3 | Proverbs 28:28 | When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous flourish. |
| 4 | Esther 8:15 | Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 10:5 | There is an evil I have seen under the sun— an error that proceeds from the ruler: |
| 6 | Esther 3:15 | The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. |
| 7 | Revelation 11:15 | Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” |
| 8 | Psalms 72:1–7 | Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness. May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice. May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness. May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. May they fear him as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains, through all generations. May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth. May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound, until the moon is no more. |
| 9 | Isaiah 32:1–2 | Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 23:5–6 | Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness. |
Proverbs 29:2 Summary
This verse tells us that when good people are in charge and doing well, everyone is happy, but when bad people are in charge, everyone is unhappy. This is because good leaders bring peace and stability, as seen in Proverbs 29:4, while bad leaders bring suffering and oppression. As followers of God, we should strive to be like the righteous in this verse, living in a way that brings joy to those around us, and praying for and supporting leaders who will bring stability and peace to our communities, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 2:1-2. By doing so, we can help create an environment where everyone can flourish and be happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the righteous to flourish?
When the righteous flourish, it means they are living according to God's will and are being blessed by Him, as seen in Psalm 1:3, where the righteous are compared to a tree that bears fruit. This flourishing brings joy to the people around them.
Why do the people groan when the wicked rule?
The people groan when the wicked rule because wicked leaders often bring oppression, injustice, and suffering, as described in Proverbs 28:12 and Isaiah 3:12. This is in contrast to the stability and peace that righteous leaders bring, as mentioned in Proverbs 29:4.
Is this verse saying that the people are responsible for the type of leader they get?
While this verse doesn't directly say that the people are responsible for the type of leader they get, it does imply that the character of a nation's leaders reflects the character of its people, as seen in Proverbs 14:34. Ultimately, God is sovereign over all leaders, as stated in Daniel 2:21 and Romans 13:1-2.
How can we, as individuals, contribute to the flourishing of the righteous in our communities?
We can contribute to the flourishing of the righteous by living according to God's will, being a positive influence on those around us, and supporting and praying for our leaders, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 and Jeremiah 29:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can flourish as a righteous person in my daily life, and how can I be a source of joy to those around me?
- Have I ever experienced the negative effects of wicked leadership, and how can I pray for and support righteous leaders in my community?
- In what ways can I be a positive influence on my community, and how can I work towards creating an environment where the righteous can flourish?
- What are some characteristics of wicked leaders, and how can I recognize and stand against them in my own life and community?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous are in authority,.... Or "are increased" (g); either in number or in riches, or in power and dominion; are set in high places, and have the exercise of civil government and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:2
In authority; which interpretation is confirmed from the opposite clause. The Hebrew word signifies to increase either in number, or in dignity and power. The people rejoice, for the blessed effects of their good government. The people mourn, both for the oppressions and mischiefs which they feel, and for the dreadful judgments of God which they justly fear.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:2
Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.Ver. 2. When the righteous are in authority.] Or, Are increased, as Proverbs 28:28; The people mourn.] Heb., Sigh (as the oppressed Israelites in Egypt did) where they dare not speak out. But what a bloody tyrant was Sulla, who put to death Marcus Plaetorius only for sighing at the cruel execution of Marcus Marius! So one Lancelot was burnt in Giles’ s fields for pitying the cruel death of a couple of martyrs. Acts and Mon., fol. 1164.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:2
2. in authority] This rendering is supported by the parallelism, but it is relegated to the margin in R.V. The rendering, increased, R.V. text, A.V. marg., gives the more usual meaning of the Heb. word, See Proverbs 28:28, and Proverbs 29:16 below. the wicked] Or, a wicked man, R.V. The word is singular, but may be taken with A.V. collectively, ἀρχόντωνδὲἀσεβῶν, LXX.; cum impii sumserint principatum, Vulg.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:2
2. Righteous… in authority — Literally, in their becoming great. Some render, when they multiply, increase; but this is not accordant with the next clause. Mourn — Grieve, are oppressed.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 1 by Alan Cairns | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning between different sins and understanding that while all sin is damnable, not all sin is equal. It encourages believers to engage |
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If My People - Part 1 by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of addressing controversial topics and recapturing the prophetic zeal in churches. It highlights the impact of the Johnson Amendment on church |
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I Was a Slave in Russia - Part 2 by John Noble | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being in a prisoner camp in the Soviet Union. He describes how prisoners from different backgrounds and professions were brough |
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When the Wicked Man Rules by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of the gospel permeating every area of our lives, including political engagement. It highlights the need for the church to address critical is |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 492 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the ongoing impeachment process against the president and the phrase "high crimes and misdemeanors" mentioned in the Constitution. The speaker |
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(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 47 Psalm 72 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons explores Psalm 72, which reflects on the rule of King Solomon and foreshadows the reign of the Messiah. He emphasizes that both rulers are characterized by justice, ri |