Proverbs 29:27
Proverbs 29:27 in Multiple Translations
An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
An evil man is disgusting to the upright, and he who is upright is disgusting to evil-doers.
Good people hate those who are unjust; the wicked hate those who do what's right.
A wicked man is abomination to the iust, and he that is vpright in his way, is abomination to the wicked.
An abomination to the righteous [is] the perverse man, And an abomination to the wicked [is] the upright in the way!
A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.
An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
The just abhor the wicked man: and the wicked loathe them that are in the right way. The son that keepeth the word, shall be free from destruction.
Righteous people hate/detest those who do what is evil, and wicked people hate those whose behavior is always good.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:27
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 29:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
צַ֭דִּיקִים
אִ֣ישׁ
עָ֑וֶל
וְ/תוֹעֲבַ֖ת
רָשָׁ֣ע
יְשַׁר
דָּֽרֶךְ
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
N-fs
צַ֭דִּיקִים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
עָ֑וֶל
ʻevel
H5766
injustice
N-cs
וְ/תוֹעֲבַ֖ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
Conj | N-fs
רָשָׁ֣ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
יְשַׁר
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
דָּֽרֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
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 29:27
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
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.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
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.
עָ֑וֶל
ʻevel
H5766
"injustice"
N-cs
Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.
Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.
וְ/תוֹעֲבַ֖ת
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
Conj | N-fs
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
רָשָׁ֣ע
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.
יְשַׁר
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
דָּֽרֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:27
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:27
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:27
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:27
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
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.
27An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 John 3:13 | So do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you. |
| 2 | John 15:17–19 | This is My command to you: Love one another. If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. |
| 3 | Psalms 139:21 | Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You? |
| 4 | John 15:23 | Whoever hates Me hates My Father as well. |
| 5 | John 7:7 | The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify that its works are evil. |
| 6 | Proverbs 29:10 | Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life. |
| 7 | Proverbs 24:9 | A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men. |
| 8 | Zechariah 11:8 | And in one month I dismissed three shepherds. My soul grew impatient with the flock, and their souls also detested me. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:115 | Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may obey the commandments of my God. |
Proverbs 29:27 Summary
Proverbs 29:27 teaches us that people who love God and try to live right will naturally dislike people who are mean and unfair, just like how we are told in Psalm 97:10 to hate evil and love good. On the other hand, people who are mean and unfair will often dislike people who are trying to do what is right, as seen in the way the world reacted to Jesus in John 7:7. This verse reminds us that following God's ways can sometimes make us unpopular with others, but it is still the right thing to do, as encouraged in Matthew 5:10-12. As we strive to live upright lives, we can expect to face opposition, but we can trust in God's protection and promises, as seen in Psalm 37:39 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for someone to be 'detestable' to another person?
In Proverbs 29:27, 'detestable' means to be thoroughly disliked or despised, as seen in Psalm 119:113 where the psalmist despises those who are double-minded, and in Proverbs 24:9, where a wicked scheme is an abomination to everyone.
Why would an upright person be detestable to the wicked?
According to Proverbs 29:27, a person with upright ways is detestable to the wicked because their righteousness stands in stark contrast to the wicked person's lifestyle, much like light stands in opposition to darkness, as seen in John 3:19-20 where people love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.
How does this verse relate to my own relationships with others?
This verse highlights the natural tension between those who follow God's ways and those who do not, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, where believers are called to separate themselves from unbelievers, not in a spirit of hatred, but of holiness, and in Matthew 10:22, where Jesus warns his disciples that they will be hated by all because of him.
What can I learn from the fact that an unjust person is detestable to the righteous?
This teaches us that God's people are called to discern and dislike evil, as seen in Romans 12:9, where we are to abhor what is evil and hold fast to what is good, and in Psalm 101:5, where the psalmist says he will destroy anyone who slanders his neighbor in secret, demonstrating a commitment to justice and righteousness.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I encounter someone who is living an unjust or wicked lifestyle, and how can I maintain my own integrity in the face of such opposition?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a commitment to upright living, even when it is difficult or unpopular, as seen in the example of Daniel in Daniel 6:10-24?
- What are some areas in my own life where I may be compromising with evil or injustice, and how can I take steps to repent and walk in a more upright way, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9?
- How can I balance my desire to be a light in the darkness with the reality that my righteousness may be detestable to those who are wicked, as seen in the ministry of Jesus in John 15:18-25?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:27
An unjust man [is] an abomination to the just,.... Not his person, but his actions, his unrighteous actions, his ungodly life and conversation; which a man, holy, just, and good, loathes and abhors,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:27
An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:27
Is an abomination to the just, because such men, as such, are hated by God, and haters of and enemies unto God and all goodness, and public plagues to the church and state in which they live; and therefore he who loves these must needs hate them, as true friends hate those who are enemies to their friends. Is abomination to the wicked; of which See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:27
Proverbs 29:27 An unjust man [is] an abomination to the just: and [he that is] upright in the way [is] abomination to the wicked.Ver. 27. An unjust man is an abomination to the just.] Who yet hates, non virum sed vitium, not the person of a wicked man, but his sin - as the physician hates the disease, but loves the patient, and strives to recover him - he abhors that which is evil, perfectly hates it, hates it as hell so the Greek word signifies; hates it in his dearest friends, as Asa did in his mother Maachah; hates it most of all in himself, as having the divine nature transfused into him, whereby he resembles God, and that life of God, whereunto sin, he knows, is a destructive poison, a sickness unto death. Hence his implacable and no less impartial hatred of all as well as any sin, for all hatred is προςταγενη, as Aristotle hath it, to the whole kind. It was said of Antony that he hated a tyrant, not tyranny; it cannot be said of a saint he hates sinners, not sin, but the contrary. And he that is upright in the way, is abomination to the wicked.] So there is no love lost between them. The devil hath set his limbs in all wicked people; they are a serpentine seed, a viperous brood, and the old enmity continues. Antipathies there are in nature, as between the elephant and boar, the lion and cock, the horse and the stone called taraxippe, &c. But this is nothing to that between the godly and the wicked; and why? but because the one’ s works are good, and the other’ s evil; and because the just man condemns the unjust by his contrary courses; yea, he frightens his heart, and terrifies him with his presence and company. αποστυγουντες. Arist. Rhetor.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:27
Verse 27. And he that is upright in the way] "But as for those that be in the right waye, the wicked hate them."-COVERDALE. To this verse the VULGATE adds the following: Verbum custodiens filius extra perditionem erit; "The son that keeps the word shall not fall into perdition." This is not in all copies of the Vulgate: but it was in that from which my old MS. Bible was made, where it is thus translated: The sone keping the worde schal ben out of perdicyon. I believe verbum here is intended for the Divine word; the revelation from God.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:27
27. the just] Rather, the righteous, R.V.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:27
The words point out not only the antagonism between the doers of good and evil, but the instinctive antipathy which the one feels toward the other.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:27
27. Unjust… just — There is a perfect antipathy between virtue and vice. Comp. Psalms 39:14.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
From the Departure of the Jews From Babylon to Fadus the Roman Procurator by Flavius Josephus | Josephus recounts the tumultuous period following the assassination of Emperor Caius, where the senators deliberated on restoring democracy while the soldiers favored preserving th |
|
Christians in the Great Tribulation - Part 2 by Edgar Reich | This sermon delves into the presence of Christians in the Great Tribulation as depicted in the Bible, focusing on the persecution they will face under the Antichrist's rule. It emp |
|
The Price of the Presence of Christ by Allan Halton | Allan Halton delves into the early Christian history, highlighting the persecution faced by the early Christians in a world that hated God, drawing parallels to the present day whe |
|
1 John 3:13 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes that believers should not be surprised by the hatred they face from the world, as this animosity has existed since the fall of man. He explains that the world, |
|
|
The Wind Is Shifting by Allan Halton | Allan Halton preaches about the need for Christians to be valiant and faithful for God's truth in the midst of trials and persecution, drawing inspiration from the early Quakers wh |
|
Pray Rather That I May Attain to Martyrdom by Ignatius of Antioch | Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith, urging believers to not only speak about Christianity but to truly embody it in their actions. He requests |
|
Epistle 58 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of focusing inwardly rather than being distracted by the world, warning against lightness and superficiality. He encourages believers to be ste |