Proverbs 29:24
Proverbs 29:24 in Multiple Translations
A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify.
Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul; He heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.
A man who takes part with a thief has hate for his soul; he is put under oath, but says nothing.
A thief's partner hates his life; even under the threat of being cursed he can't tell the truth.
He that is partner with a thiefe, hateth his owne soule: he heareth cursing, and declareth it not.
Whoso is sharing with a thief is hating his own soul, Execration he heareth, and telleth not.
Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
Whoever is partner with a thief, hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and discloseth it not.
He that is partaker with a thief, hateth his own soul: he heareth one putting him to his oath, and discovereth not.
Those who help thieves to steal only hurt themselves; when they are in court, they solemnly ask God to curse them if they do not tell the truth, but they do not tell the truth about the crime that was committed, and as a result, God will curse them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:24
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 29:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חוֹלֵ֣ק
עִם
גַּ֭נָּב
שׂוֹנֵ֣א
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ
אָלָ֥ה
יִ֝שְׁמַ֗ע
וְ/לֹ֣א
יַגִּֽיד
חוֹלֵ֣ק
châlaq
H2505
to divide
V-Qal
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
גַּ֭נָּב
gannâb
H1590
thief
N-ms
שׂוֹנֵ֣א
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
אָלָ֥ה
ʼâlâh
H423
oath
N-fs
יִ֝שְׁמַ֗ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יַגִּֽיד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-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 29:24
חוֹלֵ֣ק
châlaq
H2505
"to divide"
V-Qal
To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.
Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
גַּ֭נָּב
gannâb
H1590
"thief"
N-ms
A thief is someone who takes things that dont belong to them, as seen in the Bible where Jesus teaches about a thief in the night. This word is used to describe people who steal. It appears in various Bible stories.
Definition: thief
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: thief. See also: Exodus 22:1; Proverbs 29:24; Psalms 50:18.
שׂוֹנֵ֣א
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
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.
אָלָ֥ה
ʼâlâh
H423
"oath"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a promise or oath, often with serious consequences. It appears in Genesis 24:8 and Deuteronomy 29:12, describing agreements between God and people.
Definition: 1) oath 2) oath of covenant 3) curse 3a) from God 3b) from men 4) execration
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 31:30; Psalms 10:7.
יִ֝שְׁמַ֗ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יַגִּֽיד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:24
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:24
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:24
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:24
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
22An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
23A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath but does not testify.
25The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high. 26Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 5:1 | “If someone sins by failing to testify when he hears a public charge about something he has witnessed, whether he has seen it or learned of it, he shall bear the iniquity. |
| 2 | Proverbs 1:11–19 | If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. We will find all manner of precious goods; we will fill our houses with plunder. Throw in your lot with us; let us all share one purse”— my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path. For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it! But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives. Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors. |
| 3 | Proverbs 8:36 | But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 1:23 | Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them. |
| 5 | Psalms 50:18–22 | When you see a thief, you befriend him, and throw in your lot with adulterers. You unleash your mouth for evil and unharness your tongue for deceit. You sit and malign your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face. Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you: |
| 6 | Proverbs 15:32 | He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. |
| 7 | Judges 17:2 | said to his mother, “The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you and about which I heard you utter a curse—I have the silver here with me; I took it.” Then his mother said, “Blessed be my son by the LORD!” |
| 8 | Proverbs 6:32 | He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. |
| 9 | Mark 11:17 | Then Jesus began to teach them, and He declared, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’ ? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’ ” |
| 10 | Proverbs 20:2 | The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life. |
Proverbs 29:24 Summary
[This verse is warning us about the dangers of being involved with people who do bad things, like thieves. When we partner with them, we can end up hurting ourselves, as it says in Proverbs 29:24. It's like what it says in 1 Corinthians 15:33, 'Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.' We should try to surround ourselves with people who love and follow God, and speak up when we see something that's not right, just like it says in Matthew 10:32-33. By doing so, we can avoid harming ourselves and instead live a life that honors God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a partner to a thief?
To be a partner to a thief means to be involved or associated with someone who steals or engages in dishonest activities, as warned against in Proverbs 29:24, and this can lead to harm to one's own soul, as seen in Psalm 51:4 where David acknowledges his sin against God.
Why does the partner to a thief hate his own soul?
The partner to a thief hates his own soul because by being involved in sinful activities, he is ultimately bringing harm and destruction to himself, as stated in Proverbs 29:24, and as warned in Romans 6:23, the wages of sin is death.
What does it mean to receive the oath but not testify?
To receive the oath but not testify means to be aware of the truth or have knowledge of a situation, but choose not to speak up or testify about it, as seen in Proverbs 29:24, similar to the warnings in Leviticus 5:1 against withholding testimony.
How can I apply this verse to my life?
You can apply this verse to your life by being mindful of the company you keep and the activities you engage in, and making sure you are not involved in anything that could bring harm to yourself or others, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 15:33 and 2 Corinthians 6:14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be unknowingly partnering with 'thieves' in my own life, and how can I break free from those relationships?
- How can I prioritize my relationship with God and seek to please Him, rather than getting caught up in sinful activities?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be receiving the 'oath' but not testifying, and how can I find the courage to speak up and share the truth?
- What does it mean to 'hate my own soul', and how can I instead choose to love and care for myself in a way that honors God?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:24
Whoso is partner with a thief,.... That robs and steals, and raises away another man's property; which to do is sinful and contrary to the law of God, and punishable by it; and so it is to join with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:24
Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth (acts as if he hated) his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:24
Whoso is partner with a thief, by receiving a share of the stolen goods upon condition of his concealment of the theft, hateth his own soul; he carrieth himself towards it as if he hated it; he woundeth and destroyeth it. He heareth cursing; he heareth the voice of swearing, as is said, ; the oath given to him by a judge adjuring him and other suspected persons to give information concerning it; and betrayeth it not; which he is bound to do, both by virtue of his oath, and for the public good, which ought to be preferred before all private contracts or friendships.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:24
Proverbs 29:24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth [it] not.Ver. 24. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul.] Since to hold the bag is as bad as to fill it; to consent to sin or to conceal it, as bad as to commit it. By the one as well as by the other, a man may easily become, as Korah did, "a sinner against his own soul," and cruelly cut the throat of it. Let our public thieves look to this. See Isaiah 1:23. He heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.] See Leviticus 5:1. To conceal treason is treason, so here. "Have no fellowship therefore with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." Let me be counted proud or pragmatic, saith Luther, rather than found guilty of sinful silence, while my Lord suffereth. Luth. Epist. ad Staupic
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:24
(24) Hateth his own soul.—See above on Proverbs 1:19. He heareth cursing.—Rather, the oath or adjuration of the judge that anyone cognisant of the theft shall give information with regard to it. He hears and remains silent, and thus becoming the accomplice of the thief, he shares his punishment.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:24
Verse 24. Hateth his own soul] נפשו naphsho, his life, as the outraged law may at any time seize on and put him to death. He heareth cursing] אלה alah, the execration or adjuration, (for all culprits were charged, as before God, to tell the truth,) ולא יגד velo yaggid, but HE will not tell IT. He has no fear of God, nor reverence for an oath, because his heart is hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:24
24. cursing] Rather, the adjuration, sc. of the judge (Leviticus 5:1), or of the owner of the lost property (Judges 17:2), who puts him on his oath to divulge if he has knowledge of the theft. bewrayeth] Rather, uttereth, as the same Heb. word is rendered both in A.V. and R.V. in Leviticus 5:1.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:24
On the first discovery of the theft, the person wronged Judges 17:2, or the judge of the city (marginal reference), pronounced a solemn curse on the thief and on all who, knowing the offender, were
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:24
24. Partner with a thief — Divides with a thief, each taking part. He heareth cursing — The curse against theft, (Leviticus 5:1,) or he hears the adjuration or oath administered to him.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Authority in the Scriptures - Part 2 by Colin Anderson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on various passages from the Bible, highlighting the fulfillment of God's word through Jesus. The preacher emphasizes Jesus' obedience and sil |
|
Are We Preaching the Gospel? by K.C. Moser | The preacher delves into the dual meanings of 'oxus' in the Bible, highlighting its representation of rapid motion and sharpness, particularly in the book of Revelation. This sharp |
|
Deferred Obedience 2 - Part 3 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon addresses the issue of dishonesty and corruption, highlighting the consequences of cheating and unethical practices, especially during times of crisis. It emphasizes th |
|
(Isaiah) the Glory of the Messiah’s Reign by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of unfairness and exploitation in society. He condemns those who take advantage of the weak and vulnerable, such as the poor, widow |
|
Signs Seen, and Not Seen by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the lamentation of not seeing the signs of God's favor, highlighting the importance of recognizing outward marks of God's presence and grace upon the soul. |
|
Our First Priority by Andrew Murray | Pastor Ray Stedman delves into the concept of 'suneudokeo,' which means to give hearty approval or consent to something, as seen in various Bible verses where individuals approve o |
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Indian Orientation for Foreigners (1971) by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of lack of funds in the work in India. He acknowledges that money is scarce and pleads for more humanity in providing financial supp |