Proverbs 10:7 — Word Study
WLCזֵ֣כֶר צַ֭דִּיק לִבְרָכָ֑ה וְשֵׁ֖ם רְשָׁעִ֣ים יִרְקָֽב׃
BSAThe memoryzêker [remembrance, memorial] of the righteoustsaddîyq [just, upright] is a blessingBᵉrâkâh [gift from God, prosperity] but the nameshêm [identity, honor] of the wickedrâshâʻ [morally wrong, guilty] will rotrâqab▸ [decay, fall apart]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| זֵ֣כֶר | [the] memory of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| צַ֭דִּיק | [the] righteous | Adj |
| לִבְרָכָ֑ה | [is] for a blessing | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| וְשֵׁ֖ם | and [the] name of | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct |
| רְשָׁעִ֣ים | wicked [people] | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| יִרְקָֽב׃ | it will rot | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. |
| KJV | The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. |
| ASV | The memory of the righteous is blessed; But the name of the wicked shall rot. |
| YLT | The remembrance of the righteous [is] for a blessing, And the name of the wicked doth rot. |
| WEB | The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. |
| BBE | The memory of the upright is a blessing, but the name of the evil-doer will be turned to dust. |
Where they part company is צַ֭דִּיק — see How Translations Differ.
The verse has a clear contrast between the two main clauses, emphasizing the differing outcomes of the righteous and the wicked.
6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbרָקֵב
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 10:7
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 Wisdom of Proverbsgenerated
Proverbs 10:7 highlights the contrast between the enduring memory of the righteous and the fleeting name of the wicked. This verse is part of a larger discourse on the benefits of righteousness and the consequences of wickedness, as seen in the surrounding verses that discuss blessings and integrity. The wisdom literature often reflects on how one's actions impact their legacy, reinforcing the importance of living a just life.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 11:36 | I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 19:34 | ‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 24:16 | And Jehoiada was buried with the kings in the City of David, because he had done what was good in Israel for God and His temple. |
| 4 | Psalm 112:6 | Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever. |
| 5 | Mark 14:9 | And truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — זֵכֶר, Ze.khergenerated
The word זֵכֶר (Ze.kher) is a noun meaning 'memory' or 'remembrance', derived from a root that conveys the act of remembering. It often refers to memorials or significant recollections, especially in a biblical context, where it can denote a reminder of God's faithfulness or important events.
In this verse, it emphasizes that the memory of the righteous serves as a blessing, suggesting that their lives leave a positive and lasting impact. This aligns with the biblical theme of remembering the good deeds of the righteous as a source of inspiration and blessing for others.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against. The BSB has memory, while the KJV and ASV also use memory, maintaining the same sense from the Hebrew.
Where they part company is צַ֭דִּיק — the term for 'righteous' is rendered as just (DRA, ILT, KJV, NWB, RVA) in some versions, while upright is chosen by the BBE.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse is structured around two main clauses: the first describes the memory of the righteous, while the second addresses the fate of the wicked's name. The finite verb יִרְקָֽב (yir.kav) anchors the second clause, indicating the action of decay.
The Hebrew syntax places emphasis on the contrasting outcomes of the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the moral lesson through the juxtaposition of their legacies.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates זֵכֶר as μνήμη (mnēmē), which also means 'memory' and retains the sense of remembrance. This choice underscores the importance of how one's life is remembered.
The Greek term for 'wicked' is ἀσεβοῦς (asebous), emphasizing moral wrongdoing, consistent with the Hebrew's connotation of guilt and immorality.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 10:7 tells us that the memory of righteous people is a blessing, while the name of wicked people will decay. This verse teaches that living a good life leaves a positive legacy, while a life of wrongdoing leads to a bad reputation.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that the good deeds and character of righteous people are remembered positively, bringing joy and inspiration to others.
The name of the wicked rots because their actions are morally wrong, leading to a negative legacy that fades over time.
By living righteously and making choices that reflect good character, we can create a positive legacy that others will remember.
In the Bible, names often reflect a person's identity and character, symbolizing their reputation and the legacy they leave behind.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some qualities of the righteous that contribute to their positive memory?
- How can I live in a way that my name will be remembered positively?
- What are some examples of wickedness that lead to a negative legacy?
- How does understanding the importance of memory affect my daily choices?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers cited this verse to discuss the moral implications of memory and legacy, emphasizing the benefits of remembering the righteous.
“The memory of the just man will be praised.” But he did not say this because he meant that the departed souls are helped by our praise. He said it because those who praise the departed derive the greatest benefits from remembering them.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 10 →
Those who are humble should thank God and remain in humility to the end of their lives. Thus, the blessing of the angels and patriarchs and prophets and apostles and all the Scriptures will come upon them,Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 10 →
What wonder is it, dearest brethren, that a dancing girl killed the prophet [John the Baptist]? For we know that dissipation is always the enemy of justice and that error ceaselessly persecutes the truth.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 10 →
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 10:7 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe memory of the just [is] blessed,.... Men to whom he has been useful, either in temporals or spirituals, bless him, or wish all blessings to him while alive, whenever they make mention of his
Read John Gill on Proverbs 10 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot - (cf.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 10 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleIs blessed, i.e. honourable and acceptable to those who mention them. Compare . Shall rot; shall perish, and be cursed and detestable amongst men, shall stink above ground.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 10 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 10:7 The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.Ver. 7. The memory of the just is blessed.] "Demetrius had a good report of the truth." In the Hebrew tongue the same word signifieth "a good name," and "a blessing." This is one of those blessings mentioned in Proverbs 10:6, that shall be heaped upon holy men. "Holy and reverend is his name." How comes God’ s name to be "reverend," but by being "holy?" Be good, and do good, so shall thy name be heir to thy life; yea, when thou art laid in thy grave, thy stock remains, goes forward, and shall do till the day of doom. But the name of the wicked shall rot.] And stink as putrefied flesh. Hypocrites then…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 10 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 7. The memory of the just is blessed] Or, is a blessing. But the name of the wicked shall rot.] This is another antithesis; but there are only two antithetic terms, for memory and name are synonymous.-Lowth. The very name of the wicked is as offensive as putrid carrion.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 10 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible7. Blessed — Literally, for a blessing; which some understand to be such to others. “He blesses after he is dead.” Comp. Psalms 9:56; Ecclesiastes 8:10; Psalms 112:6.
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 memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.
The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the reputation of the wicked will rot.
Tyndale line
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
The memory of the righteous is blessed; But the name of the wicked shall rot.
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall perish.
The memoriall of the iust shalbe blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rotte.
Strictly literal
The memory of the righteous [man] shall be blessed; but the name of the wicked shall rot.
The remembrance of the righteous [is] for a blessing, And the name of the wicked doth rot.
The remembrance of the righteous [is] for a blessing, || And the name of the wicked rots.
The memory of the just is [destined] to be blessed; but the name of the wicked shall rot.
The righteous person makes those who remember him happy, but the name of the wicked will rot away.
From the Latin
The memory of the just is with praises: and the name of the wicked shall rot.
Simplified
The good are remembered as a blessing, but the reputation of the wicked will rot.
The memory of the upright is a blessing, but the name of the evil-doer will be turned to dust.
Word by word, the decisions they made
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
The Masoretic Text of Proverbs 10:7 states, 'The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot,' using the Hebrew words 'זֵ֣כֶר צַ֭דִּיק לִבְרָכָ֑ה וְשֵׁ֖ם רְשָׁעִ֣ים יִרְקָֽב׃'. The Septuagint agrees with this verse, matching all six words in a word-by-word correspondence, although the Greek translation may reflect different word order and articles. There are no significant differences noted in the Samaritan Pentateuch or the Dead Sea Scrolls for this verse, indicating a strong consistency among these ancient witnesses regarding the text of Proverbs 10:7.
זֵ֣כֶר צַ֭דִּיק לִבְרָכָ֑ה וְשֵׁ֖ם רְשָׁעִ֣ים יִרְקָֽב׃
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 10:7
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.
זֵ֫כֶר (zeker) refers to concepts of remembrance and memorial. It is derived from the root meaning to remember and encompasses meanings such as memory and commemoration. The entries consistently highlight its use in contexts related to memorials and recollections.
זֵ֫כֶר n.m. remembrance, memorial
base
H2143 זֵ֫כֶר remembrance, memorial
2143 zeker zay'-ker
or zeker {zeh'-ker}; from 2142; a memento, abstr.
recollection (rarely if ever); by implication,
commemoration:--memorial, memory, remembrance, scent.
see HEBREW for 02142
זֵ֫כֶר (ze.kher) — memorial.
1) memorial, remembrance
1a) remembrance, memory
1b) memorial
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
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 — AdjHAamsa
בְּרָכָה (berakah) means 'blessing' and encompasses a range of meanings including prosperity, praise of God, gifts, and treaties of peace. It is derived from the root word for 'to bless.' The entries highlight its use in various contexts, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
בְּרָכָה n.f. blessing
blessing
source of blessing
blessing, prosperity
blessing, praise of God
a gift, present
treaty of peace
base
H1293 בְּרָכָה blessing
1293 Brakah ber-aw-kaw'
from 1288; benediction; by implication prosperity:--blessing,
liberal, pool, present.
see HEBREW for 01288
בְּרָכָה (be.ra.khah) — blessing.
1) blessing
2) (source of) blessing
3) blessing, prosperity
4) blessing, praise of God
5) a gift, present
6) treaty of peace
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHR/Ncfsa
(berakhah; eulogia): Sometimes means the form of words used in invoking the bestowal of good, as in De 33:1; Jos 8:34; and Jas 3:10. Sometimes it means the good or the benefit itself which has been conferred, as in Ge 27:36, "Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?" and Pr 10:22, "The blessing of Yahweh, it maketh rich." "The cup of blessing" (to poterion tes eulogias, a special use of the word in 1Co 10:16), means the cup for which we bless God, or which represents to us so much blessin g from God.
James M. Gray
Referring both to God and to man. When God blesses, he bestows that efficacy which renders his blessing effectual. His blessings are either temporal or spiritual, bodily or mental; but in every thing they really convey the good which they import, Nu 6:23-27. The blessings of men to other men, unless they be inspired prophecies, as in Ge 32:32 De 33:1 1:1-29, are only good wishes, personal or official, and as it were a peculiar kind of prayer to the Author of all good for the welfare of the subject of them. Blessing, on the part of man towards God, is an act of thanks-giving for his mercies, Ps 103:1; or rather, for that special mercy which at the time occasions the act of…
→ For blessing before eating, see PRAYER
→ See THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER BEFORE TAKING FOOD
→ See also BENEDICTIONS
→ RESPONSIVE BLESSINGS OF THE LAW De 28:1-14
For the responsive curses of the law, see CURSE
→ CONTINGENT UPON OBEDIENCE Ex 15:26; 19:5; 20:6; 23:22; Le 26:3-43; De 4:1,40; 5:10,29; 7:9,12-15; 11:26-28; 12:28; 15:4,5; 28:1-14; 29:9; 30:1-10,15-20; Jos 1:8; 1Ki 2:3,4; 3:14; 8:23; 9:3-9; 1Ch 22:13; 28:7,8; 2Ch 7:17-22; 26:5; 27:6; 30:9; 31:10;
שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.
שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)
of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it
usu. of pers.
= reputation
esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons
name, as designation of God
of false gods, use forbidden
= memorial, monument
base
H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)
8034 shem shame
a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea
of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an
appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by
implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,
(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
see HEBREW for 07760
see HEBREW for 08064
שֵׁם (shem) — name.
1) name
1a) name
1b) reputation, fame, glory
1c) the Name (as designation of God)
1d) memorial, monument
Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular constructHC/Ncmsc
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
רָקֵב (raqab) is a primitive root meaning to decay or rot, particularly as caused by worm-eating. The entries consistently emphasize this notion of decay without any significant disagreement among lexicons.
H7537 [רָקֵב] rot
7537 raqab raw-kab'
a primitive root; to decay (as by worm-eating):--rot.
רָקֵב (ra.qav) — to rot.
(Qal) to rot
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms