Proverbs 10:28 — Word Study
WLCתּוֹחֶ֣לֶת צַדִּיקִ֣ים שִׂמְחָ֑ה וְתִקְוַ֖ת רְשָׁעִ֣ים תֹּאבֵֽד׃
BSAThe hopetôwcheleth [trust and confidence, expectation] of the righteoustsaddîyq [just, morally upright] is joysimchâh [gladness, happiness] but the expectationstiqvâh [waiting, anticipation] of the wickedrâshâʻ [morally wrong, sinful] will perishʼâbad▸ [be destroyed, come to an end]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| תּוֹחֶ֣לֶת | [the] hope of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| צַדִּיקִ֣ים | righteous [people] | Adj |
| שִׂמְחָ֑ה | [is] joy | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| וְתִקְוַ֖ת | and [the] hope of | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular construct |
| רְשָׁעִ֣ים | wicked [people] | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| תֹּאבֵֽד׃ | it is lost | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person feminine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectations of the wicked will perish. |
| KJV | The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. |
| ASV | The hope of the righteous shall be gladness; But the expectation of the wicked shall perish. |
| YLT | The hope of the righteous [is] joyful, And the expectation of the wicked perisheth. |
| WEB | The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hope of the wicked will perish. |
| BBE | The hope of the upright man will give joy, but the waiting of the evil-doer will have its end in sorrow. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of the wicked's expectations — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has two main clauses connected by a conjunction, presenting a clear contrast between the righteous and the wicked.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbאָבַד
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 10:28
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Contrast of Righteousness and Wickednessgenerated
Proverbs 10:28 presents a clear dichotomy between the outcomes for the righteous and the wicked. The preceding verses set the stage by discussing the benefits of fearing the Lord and the consequences for the wicked. This proverb encapsulates the joy that comes from a life aligned with righteousness, contrasting it with the inevitable downfall of those who act unjustly.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 16:9 | Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will dwell securely. |
| 2 | Psalm 73:24–26 | You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory. |
| 3 | Romans 5:2 | through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. |
| 4 | Romans 12:12 | Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer. |
| 5 | Romans 15:13 | Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תּוֹחֶלֶת, to.Che.letgenerated
The word תּוֹחֶלֶת (towcheleth) is a feminine singular noun meaning 'hope' or 'expectation'. It conveys a sense of trust and confidence in a positive outcome, reflecting a deep longing for what is anticipated. The parsing as a noun indicates that it functions as a subject or object in the sentence, emphasizing the state of being hopeful.
This term is derived from a root that relates to expectation, suggesting a strong connection between hope and the outcomes one desires. In this context, it highlights the joy that accompanies the hope of the righteous, contrasting sharply with the fate of the wicked.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree on the meaning of תּוֹחֶלֶת as 'hope' in this verse.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse consists of two main clauses, with the finite verb תֹּאבֵֽד (it is lost) governing the second clause. The structure emphasizes the relationship between the hope of the righteous and the fate of the wicked.
The first clause introduces the subject, תּוֹחֶלֶת צַדִּיקִ֣ים (the hope of the righteous), which is followed by the predicate שִׂמְחָ֑ה (is joy). The second clause presents the contrasting subject וְתִקְוַ֖ת רְשָׁעִ֣ים (the expectations of the wicked) and its fate.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates תּוֹחֶלֶת as ἐλπὶς (hope), indicating a direct correspondence in meaning. This choice reflects a consistent understanding of hope across both texts.
For רְשָׁעִ֣ים, the LXX uses ἀσεβῶν (the wicked), which aligns with the moral implications present in the Hebrew text.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 10:28 tells us that the hope of the righteous brings joy, while the expectations of the wicked will come to nothing. This verse contrasts the positive outcome for those who are just with the negative fate awaiting those who are morally wrong.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that those who live righteously can expect positive outcomes and happiness in their lives, as their hope is fulfilled.
The expectations of the wicked will ultimately perish, indicating that their plans and desires will not succeed.
This verse illustrates the recurring theme in Proverbs that righteousness leads to blessing and joy, while wickedness leads to destruction.
Yes, hope in God is often associated with joy in the Bible, as it reflects trust in His promises and goodness.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced joy as a result of my hope in God?
- How can I cultivate a righteous life that produces hope and joy?
- What expectations do I have that may not align with God's will?
- How can I support others in finding hope and joy in their lives?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Bede comments on this verse, noting that the righteous rejoice in their hope for the life to come, despite present trials.
The expectation of the righteous is gladness, etc. It is clear that the righteous rejoice in the expectation of the life to come, even though they are saddened by the affliction of present trials.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 10 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 10:28 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe hope of the righteous [shall be] gladness,.... Or, "[is] gladness" (w); it is now attended with joy; he has a pleasure in the exercise of the grace of hope as to future things; he rejoices in
Read John Gill on Proverbs 10 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The hope of the righteous (shall be) gladness - i:e., shall have a glad and joyful issue.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 10 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleShall be gladness; though at present it be mixed with doubts, and fears, and disappointments, yet at last it shall be accomplished, and turned into enjoyment. Shall perish; shall be utterly frustrated, and so end in sorrow.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 10 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 10:28 The hope of the righteous [shall be] gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.Ver. 28. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness.] The righteous doth not so fear God, but that he hopes in him also; - see Psalms 130:4-5 : - and that with such a hope as "maketh not ashamed." Deo confisi nunquam confusi: "The righteous hath hope in his death"; his motto is, Cum expiro, spero; - My hope lasts beyond life. But the expectations of the wicked.] As Esau came from hunting, with his head full of hopes, but went away with his heart full of blanks, and his face full of blushing.
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 10 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 28. The expectation of the wicked shall perish.] A wicked man is always imposing on himself by the hope of God's mercy and final happiness; and he continues hoping, till he dies without receiving that mercy which alone would entitle him to that glory.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 10 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleTranspose “hope” and “expectation.” The expectant waiting of the righteous is joyful at the time, and ends in joy: the eager hope of the wicked comes to nought.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 10 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible28. Shall be gladness — Shall be fulfilled, and so produce gladness. Compare Proverbs 11:7; Job 8:13; Job 11:20; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 119; Romans 8:24; Romans 5:2; Romans 12:12; Romans 15:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; 1 John 3:2-3.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 10 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectations of the wicked will perish.
The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hope of the wicked will perish.
The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectations of the wicked will perish.
The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectation of the wicked will remain unfulfilled.
Tyndale line
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness; But the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
The patient abiding of the righteous shall be gladnesse: but the hope of the wicked shall perish.
Strictly literal
The hope of the righteous is joy; but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
The hope of the righteous [is] joyful, And the expectation of the wicked perisheth.
The hope of the righteous [is] joyful, || And the expectation of the wicked perishes.
The expectation of the righteous is joy; but the hope of the wicked shall perish.
The hope of righteous people is their joy, but the years of wicked people will be short.
From the Latin
The expectation of the just is joy; but the hope of the wicked shall perish.
Simplified
Good people look forward to happiness, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
The hope of the upright man will give joy, but the waiting of the evil-doer will have its end in sorrow.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
Both the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of Proverbs 10:28, with no significant variations in the key terms used.
תּוֹחֶ֣לֶת צַדִּיקִ֣ים שִׂמְחָ֑ה וְתִקְוַ֖ת רְשָׁעִ֣ים תֹּאבֵֽד׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 10:28
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
תּוֹחֶ֫לֶת (towcheleth) means 'hope' and is derived from the root word for 'expectation' found in H3176. The entries consistently define it as a noun related to the concept of hope, without significant disagreement among the lexicons.
תּוֹחֶ֫לֶת n.f. hope
base
H8431 תּוֹחֶ֫לֶת
8431 towcheleth to-kheh'-leth
from 3176; expectation:--hope.
see HEBREW for 03176
תּוֹחֶ֫לֶת (to.che.let) — hope.
hope
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
צַדִּיק (tsaddiyq) means just or righteous, covering various aspects such as lawful behavior, moral conduct, and being justified by God. It is derived from a related root and is used to describe individuals who are upright in character and actions.
צַדִּיק 206 adj. just, righteous
base
H6662 צַדִּיק just, righteous
6662 tsaddiyq tsad-deek'
from 6663; just:--just, lawful, righteous (man).
see HEBREW for 06663
צַדִּיק (tsad.diq) — righteous.
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
Adj — AdjHAampa
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…
שִׂמְחָה (simchah) refers to joy, gladness, and mirth. It encompasses a range of meanings from general joyfulness to religious or festival-related happiness. The word is derived from שִׂמְחָה (H8056), which also relates to pleasure and rejoicing. The entries consistently highlight its positive connotations.
שִׂמְחָה 93 n.f. joy, gladness, mirth
base
H8057 שִׂמְחָה joy, gladness, mirth
8057 simchah sim-khaw'
from 8056; blithesomeness or glee, (religious or
festival):--X exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth,
pleasure, rejoice(-ing).
see HEBREW for 08056
שִׂמְחָה (sim.chah) — joy.
1) joy, mirth, gladness
1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure
1b) joy (of God)
1c) glad result, happy issue
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
joi (simchah; chara):
1. Terms:
The idea of joy is expressed in the Old Testament by a wealth of synonymous terms that cannot easily be differentiated. The commonest is simchah (1Sa 18:6, etc.), variously translated in English Versions of the Bible "joy," "gladness," "mirth"; from sameah, properly "to be bright," "to shine" (Pr 13:9, "The light of the righteous rejoiceth," literally, "is bright"), but generally used figuratively "to rejoice," "be glad" (Le 23:40 and very frequent).
Other nouns are masos and sason, both from sus, properly "to spring," "leap," hence, "exult," "rejoice"; rinnah, "shouting." "joy"; gil, from verb gil or gul, "to go in a circle," hence, "be excited" (dancing round for joy), "rejoice." In the New…
תִּקְוָה (tiqvah) means both 'cord' and 'hope.' It is derived from a root meaning to attach or bind, reflecting a sense of expectancy or longing. The term encompasses concepts of hope, expectation, and the outcomes of what is hoped for, as noted in various lexicons.
[תִּקְוָה] n.f. cord
base
תִּקְוָה 34 n.f. hope
hope
= ground of hope
things hoped for, outcome
base
H8615a תִּקְוָה cord H8615b תִּקְוָה hope . hope
. = ground of hope
. things hoped for, outcome
8615 tiqvah tik-vaw'
from 6960; literally, a cord (as an attachment (compare
6961)); figuratively, expectancy:--expectation ((-ted)),
hope, live, thing that I long for.
see HEBREW for 06960
see HEBREW for 06961
תִּקְוָה (tiq.vah) — cord.
cord
תִּקְוָה (tiq.vah) — hope.
1) hope, expectation
1a) hope
1b) ground of hope
1c) things hoped for, outcome
Conj | N-fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular constructHC/Ncfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
רָשָׁע (rasha`) refers to someone who is wicked or criminal, encompassing meanings such as guilty and ungodly. It is derived from a root that implies moral wrongdoing. The term is used to describe individuals who are hostile to God or guilty of sin against others.
רָשָׁע 263 adj. wicked, criminal
base
H7563 רָשָׁע wicked, criminal
7563 rasha` raw-shaw'
from 7561; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad
person:--+ condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did
wrong.
see HEBREW for 07561
רָשָׁע (ra.sah) — wicked.
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)
Adj — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
אָבַד (abad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to perish or be lost. It encompasses a range of meanings, including dying, vanishing, and destruction, often in a moral or judgment context. The word appears in various forms in the Old Testament, with uses related to individuals, nations, and inanimate objects. The lexicons indicate that it can also imply causing something to perish or stray.
אָבַד vb. perish (M I אבד, As. abâtu Dl W 184 Aram אֲבַד, Syriac).—
Qal Pf. א׳ Nu 21:30 +; אָבְדוּ ψ 10:16 + (+ Ez 6:3 𝔊 Co) etc.; Impf. יֹאבַד Jb 3:3 Je 4:9; יֹאבֵ֑ד Jb 20:7 + 2t.; 3fs. תֹּאבַד Dt 22:3 + 4t.; תֹּאבֵ֑ד Jb 8:13 + 3t.; יֹאבְדוּ Ju 5:31 + 3t.; יֹאבֵ֑דוּ Jb 4:9 +; 3fpl. וַתֹּאבַדְנָה֙ I S 9:3; תֹּאבֵדוּן Dt 4:26 +; נֹאבֵ֑ד Jon 1:6…
Read the full entry →H6 אָבַד perish .. perish, die, of individuals
. fig. perish, vanish, subj. memory
. be lost, strayed
. . cause to perish, destroy, kill
. fig. cause to vanish, blot out, do away with
. cause to stray, lose
. . destroy, put to death, in judgment
. fig. obj. name of kings; hope; voice of mirth etc.
6 'abad aw-bad'
a primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. lose
oneself; by implication to perish (causative,
destroy):--break, destroy(- uction), + not escape, fail,
lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, X and surely, take, be
undone, X utterly, be void of, have no way to flee.
אָבַד (a.vad) — to perish.
1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) perish, die, be exterminated
1a2) perish, vanish (fig.)
1a3) be lost, strayed
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate
1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.)
1b3) cause to stray, lose
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to destroy, put to death
1c1a) of divine judgment
1c2) object name of kings (fig.)
Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person feminine singularHVqi3fs