Proverbs 13:9 — Word Study
WLCאוֹר־ צַדִּיקִ֥ים יִשְׂמָ֑ח וְנֵ֖ר רְשָׁעִ֣ים יִדְעָֽךְ׃
BSAThe lightʼôwr of the righteoustsaddîyq [those made right with God, just] shines brightlysâmach▸ [rejoices, gives joy] but the lampnîyr [a device for spiritual guidance] of the wickedrâshâʻ [morally wrong, guilty of sin] is extinguisheddâʻak▸ [put out, snuffed out]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אוֹר־ | [the] light of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| צַדִּיקִ֥ים | righteous [people] | Adj |
| יִשְׂמָ֑ח | it rejoices | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| וְנֵ֖ר | and [the] lamp of | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct |
| רְשָׁעִ֣ים | wicked [people] | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| יִדְעָֽךְ׃ | it is extinguished | 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 light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished. |
| KJV | The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. |
| ASV | The light of the righteous rejoiceth; But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. |
| YLT | The light of the righteous rejoiceth, And the lamp of the wicked is extinguished. |
| WEB | The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. |
| BBE | There is a glad dawn for the upright man, but the light of the sinner will be put out. |
Where they part company is וְנֵ֖ר — see How Translations Differ.
Two main clauses with subordinate phrases describe the actions of the righteous and the wicked, creating a clear contrast.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbשָׂמַח
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 13:9
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 — Wisdom in Proverbsgenerated
Proverbs 13:9 presents a vivid contrast between the light of the righteous and the lamp of the wicked. This verse is part of a larger collection of proverbs that emphasize moral choices and their consequences, illustrating how righteousness brings joy and clarity while wickedness leads to darkness and despair. It echoes themes found throughout the book of Proverbs, where wisdom is often depicted as a guiding light.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 4:18 | The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Psalm 97:11 | Light shines on the righteous, gladness on the upright in heart. |
| 4 | Psalm 112:4 | Light dawns in the darkness for the upright— for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous. |
| 5 | Proverbs 20:20 | Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אוֹר, 'or-generated
The word אוֹר ('or) means 'light' and encompasses various forms of illumination, including both natural light and spiritual enlightenment. Its use here signifies the brightness and clarity that come from living righteously, as opposed to the darkness associated with wickedness.
In this verse, אוֹר is a feminine singular noun in construct form, indicating a relationship to the following word. The phrase the light of the righteous suggests a continuous and vibrant presence, highlighting the positive impact of righteousness on one's life and the lives of 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.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse consists of two main clauses, with each clause presenting a subject and a verb: יִשְׂמָ֑ח (it rejoices) for the righteous and יִדְעָֽךְ (it is extinguished) for the wicked. This parallel structure emphasizes the contrast between the two groups.
The word order places emphasis on the subjects, צַדִּיקִ֥ים (righteous) and רְשָׁעִ֣ים (wicked), highlighting their respective fates in relation to their moral choices.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, אוֹר is rendered as φῶς (phōs), which also means 'light'. This choice maintains the metaphorical significance of illumination associated with righteousness.
The translation of רְשָׁעִ֣ים as ἀσεβῶν (asebōn) indicates a focus on moral wrongdoing, aligning with the Hebrew meaning while emphasizing the nature of the wicked.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 13:9 contrasts the light that comes from the lives of righteous people with the extinguishing of the lamp belonging to the wicked. The righteous shine with joy and clarity, while the wicked face darkness and despair.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies that those who live righteously experience joy, clarity, and guidance in their lives.
This indicates that those who live wickedly ultimately face consequences that lead to their downfall and loss of moral clarity.
It reflects the theme of contrasting moral paths, emphasizing the benefits of righteousness and the dangers of wickedness.
We can understand the importance of moral choices and how they affect our lives and the lives of others.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I seen the light of righteousness in my own life or in the lives of others?
- How can I ensure that my actions reflect the light rather than the darkness?
- What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate righteousness in my daily life?
- How does understanding the consequences of wickedness motivate me to choose a righteous path?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Bede comments on this verse, using it to illustrate the contrast between the hope of the righteous and the fleeting happiness of the wicked.
"The light of the righteous rejoices," etc. The light of the righteous, which perpetually rejoices, is the hope of future things; the lamp of the impious, which suddenly goes out, is the happiness of this fleeting world.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 13 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 13:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe light of the righteous rejoiceth,.... The light of joy and gladness, which is sown for them, and arises to them; the light of spiritual knowledge and experience they have; the light of sound
Read John Gill on Proverbs 13 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. The light of the righteous rejoiceth - joyfully shines forth.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 13 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe light; the prosperity or happiness, which is oft called a light or lamp in Scripture, and other authors. Rejoiceth; shineth with a pleasant and constant brightness and glory; for this is opposed to the putting out in the next clause. Rejoicing is here ascribed to the light, as it is to the sun, , both metaphorically, because they would rejoice in it if they were capable of any such passions; and metonymically, because they refresh and cheer men’ s spirits. So mountains and trees are said to rejoice, 96:12. The lamp of the wicked shall be put out; their felicity shall have a sudden and a dismal end.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 13 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.Ver. 9. The light of the righteous rejoiceth.] As the sun rejoiceth to run his race, and seemeth sometimes to suffer eclipse, but doth not. A saint’ s joy is as the light of the sun, fed by heavenly influence, and never extinct, but diffused through all parts of the world. But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.] Their joy is but as the light of a candle, - fed by base and stinking matter, soon wasting and ending in an offensive snuff. "The light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. The light shall be dark in his tabernacle; and his candle shall be put…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 13 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(9) The light of the righteous rejoiceth—i.e., burns joyously, as the sun “rejoiceth as a giant to run his course” (Psalms 19:5). A distinction may be drawn between the “light” of the righteous and “lamp” of the wicked. The one walks in the “light” of God’s truth, and so his path becomes continually more plain (see above on Proverbs 6:23); the other walks by the glimmer of his own “lamp,” the “fire” and “sparks” of his own kindling (Isaiah 50:11), the fancies of his own devising, and so his end is darkness. But this distinction is not always observed (comp. Job 18:5-6, where “light” and “lamp” are both applied to the wicked.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 13 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 9. The light of the righteous rejoiceth] They shall have that measure of prosperity which shall be best for them; but the wicked, howsoever prosperous for a time, shall be brought into desolation. Light and lamp in both cases may signify posterity. The righteous shall have a joyous posterity; but that of the wicked shall be cut off. So 1Kg 11:36: "And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light ( ner, a lamp) always before me." 1Kg 15:4: "Nevertheless for David's sake did the Lord give them a lamp, to set up his son after him." See also Psalms 132:17, and several other places.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 13 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges9. light … lamp] The change of word is doubtless designed. So our Lord is φῶς, and John Baptist λύχνος (John 8:12; John 5:35). shall be put out] Comp. Proverbs 20:20, Proverbs 24:20. The LXX. add to this verse: “Deceitful souls go astray in sins; But the righteous are pitiful and merciful.”
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 13 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleVery beautiful in its poetry is the idea of the light “rejoicing” in its brightness (compare Psalms 19:5; Job 38:7). Note also the distinction between the “light” and the “lamp.” The righteous ones have the true light in them.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 13 →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 light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked goes out.
Tyndale line
The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
The light of the righteous rejoiceth; But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be extinguished.
The light of the righteous reioyceth: but the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
Strictly literal
The light of the righteous rejoiceth; but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
The light of the righteous rejoiceth, And the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
The light of the righteous rejoices, || And the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
The light of the righteous burneth joyfully; but the lamp of the wicked will be quenched.
The light of righteous people rejoices, but the lamp of wicked people will be put out.
From the Latin
The light of the just giveth joy: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
Simplified
The life of good people shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
There is a glad dawn for the upright man, but the light of the sinner will be put out.
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 reads: אוֹר־ צַדִּיקִ֥ים יִשְׂמָ֑ח וְנֵ֖ר רְשָׁעִ֣ים יִדְעָֽךְ׃. The Septuagint matches five of the six words closely, showing a consistent understanding of the verse's meaning. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain partial restorations but agree with the Masoretic Text in essence.
אוֹר־ צַדִּיקִ֥ים יִשְׂמָ֑ח וְנֵ֖ר רְשָׁעִ֣ים יִדְעָֽךְ׃
5 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.
[אור] [צדיקים] [ישמח] [ונר] רשעים ידעך
nothing on the leather here — 2 partly restored, 4 supplied entire by an editor.
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 13:9
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.
אוֹר (or) means 'light' and encompasses various forms of illumination, including daylight, dawn, and the light of heavenly bodies like the sun and stars. It can also refer to metaphorical concepts such as the light of life, prosperity, and instruction, as well as Yahweh as a source of light.
אוֹר 121 n.m. light
light as diffused in nature, light of day
morning light, dawn
light of the heavenly luminaries
daylight
lightning
light of lamp
light of life
light of prosperity
light of instruction
light of face
Yahweh
base
H216 אוֹר light . light as diffused in nature, light of day
. morning light, dawn
. light of the heavenly luminaries
. daylight
. lightning
. light of lamp
. light of life
. light of prosperity
. light of instruction
. light of face
. Yahweh
216 'owr ore
from 215; illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every
sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.):--bright, clear,
+ day, light (-ning), morning, sun.
see HEBREW for 0215
אוֹר (or) — light.
1) light
1a) light of day
1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars)
1c) day-break, dawn, morning light
1d) daylight
1e) lightning
1f) light of lamp
1g) light of life
1h) light of prosperity
1i) light of instruction
1j) light of face (fig.)
1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
N-cs — 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…
שָׂמַח (samach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to rejoice or be glad. It can express joy in everyday life, religious contexts, or even exultation. The verb has different forms: Qal (to rejoice), Piel (to cause to rejoice), and Hiphil (to make glad). The entries indicate a range of meanings related to joy and merriment.
שָׂמַח, שָׂמִ֑חַ 154 vb. rejoice, be glad
Qal 126
in common life
rejoice religiously
subj. י׳
Pi. cause to rejoice, gladden
Hiph. = Pi.
base
H8055 שָׂמַח, שָׂמִ֑חַ rejoice, be glad
8055 samach saw-makh'
a primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e.
(figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or
gleesome:--cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful),
be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, X very.
שָׂמַח (sa.mach) — to rejoice.
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
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
נֵר (ner) and נִיר (nir) both mean 'lamp' in Hebrew. The word is derived from a root that suggests brightness or glistening, and it can refer to a literal lamp or light as well as a figurative one. The entries indicate that these forms are interchangeable, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
נֵר 43 n.m. lamp
base
נִיר n.[m.] lamp
base
H5216a נֵר lamp H5216b נִיר lamp
5216 niyr neer
or nir {neer}; also neyr {nare}; or ner {nare}; or (feminine)
nerah {nay-raw'}; from a primitive root (see 5214; 5135)
properly, meaning to glisten; a lamp (i.e. the burner) or
light (literally or figuratively):--candle, lamp, light.
see HEBREW for 05214
see HEBREW for 05135
נֵר (ner) — lamp.
lamp
Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)
נִיר (nir) — lamp.
lamp
Another spelling of ner (נֵר "lamp" H5216A)
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
The Hebrew word דָּעַךְ (*da'akh*) is a primitive root meaning to go out or be extinguished. It covers a range of meanings including to dry up, be made extinct, or be quenched. The entries describe its use in different stems, such as Qal and Niph, indicating various nuances of extinguishing or drying.
[דָּעַךְ] vb. go out, be extinguished
Qal go out, be extinguished
Niph. be made extinct, dried up
Pu. of assailants, be extinguished, quenched
base
H1846 [דָּעַךְ] go out, be extinguished .go out, be extinguished
. be made extinct, dried up
. of assailants, be extinguished, quenched
1846 da`ak daw-ak'
a primitive root; to be extinguished; figuratively, to expire
or be dried up:--be extinct, consumed, put out, quenched.
דָּעַךְ (da.akh) — to put out.
1) to go out, be extinguished, dry up
1a) (Qal) to go out, be extinguished
1b) (Niphal) to be made extinct, be dried up
1c) (Pual) to be extinguished, be quenched
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms