Proverbs 1:16

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Their feet run to evil, they rush to shed blood.

Berean Standard Bible:

For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.

American Standard Version:

For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For their feet{H7272} run{H7323} to evil{H7451}, and make haste{H4116} to shed{H8210} blood{H1818}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Isaiah 59:7

  • Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts [are] thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction [are] in their paths.

Proverbs 6:18

  • An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

Proverbs 4:16

  • For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.

Romans 3:5

  • But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is] God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

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Commentary for Proverbs 1:16

Proverbs 1:16 is part of the wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Book of Proverbs, which is attributed to King Solomon and other wise sages of ancient Israel. This verse is embedded within a larger passage (Proverbs 1:8-19) where a father figure is warning his son against the enticement of sinners who seek to lead others into wickedness.

The verse itself, "For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood," vividly depicts the moral decay and the readiness of these evildoers to commit violent and sinful acts. It highlights the urgency and eagerness with which they pursue wrongdoing, particularly the grave sin of murder. The historical context of this verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern societal concerns with lawlessness and the importance of choosing the path of wisdom and righteousness over the allure of quick but ill-gotten gains.

The themes presented in this verse include the seductive nature of wickedness, the swift descent into immoral behavior, and the consequences of aligning oneself with those who disregard the sanctity of life. The verse serves as a stark warning against the perils of succumbing to peer pressure and the importance of moral discernment. It emphasizes the need to cultivate wisdom and heed the counsel of parents and elders, who offer guidance on how to live a life that is honorable and in accordance with divine principles. In essence, Proverbs 1:16 is a call to recognize the dangers of associating with the unrighteous and to choose instead the path of virtue and ethical living.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H7272
    There are 232 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רֶגֶל
    Transliteration: regel
    Pronunciation: reh'-gel
    Description: from רָגַל; a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda; [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time.
  2. Strong's Number: H7323
    There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רוּץ
    Transliteration: rûwts
    Pronunciation: roots
    Description: a primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush); break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post.
  3. Strong's Number: H7451
    There are 623 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רַע
    Transliteration: raʻ
    Pronunciation: rah
    Description: from רָעַע; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.).
  4. Strong's Number: H4116
    There are 60 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מָהַר
    Transliteration: mâhar
    Pronunciation: maw-har'
    Description: a primitive root; properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e. (by implication); to hurry (in a good or a bad sense); often used (with another verb) adverbially, promptly; be carried headlong, fearful, (cause to make, in, make) haste(-n, -ily), (be) hasty, (fetch, make ready) [idiom] quickly, rash, [idiom] shortly, (be so) [idiom] soon, make speed, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] straightway, [idiom] suddenly, swift.
  5. Strong's Number: H8210
    There are 111 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שָׁפַךְ
    Transliteration: shâphak
    Pronunciation: shaw-fak'
    Description: a primitive root; to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e. to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc.); intensively, to sprawl out; cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip.
  6. Strong's Number: H1818
    There are 295 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: דָּם
    Transliteration: dâm
    Pronunciation: dawm
    Description: from דָּמַם (compare אָדַם); blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshed (i.e. drops of blood); blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent.