Proverbs 28:21

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ To have respect of persons [is] not good: for for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress.

Complete Jewish Bible:

To show partiality is not good, though a person may do wrong for a crust of bread.

Berean Standard Bible:

To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

American Standard Version:

To have respect of persons is not good; Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

To have respect^{H5234} of persons^{H6440} is not good^{H2896}: for for a piece^{H6595} of bread^{H3899} that man^{H1397} will transgress^{H6586}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 28:21

Proverbs 28:21 is a verse that addresses the issue of partiality or favoritism, warning against the practice of respecting individuals based on their social status, wealth, or other superficial characteristics. The historical context of this proverb is the ancient Near Eastern society, where social hierarchies were rigid and the favor of those in power could significantly impact one's life. The verse suggests that showing partiality is morally problematic because it can lead to unjust actions, such as transgressing for something as trivial as a piece of bread.

In essence, the text is cautioning that favoritism can corrupt judgment, leading an individual to commit wrongdoing for insignificant gains. This could mean overlooking someone's misdeeds or giving them preferential treatment because of their status or what they can offer in return, even if it's something as small as a meal. The broader theme here is the call for equity and integrity; the proverb emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals fairly and justly, regardless of their ability to provide immediate benefits or rewards. It speaks to the timeless principle that justice should be blind to social standing, a concept that resonates with modern ideals of impartiality in legal and social interactions.

*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: H5234
   There are 47 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָכַר
   Transliteration: nâkar
   Pronunciation: naw-kar'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to scrutinize, i.e. look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (with suspicion implied), to disregard, ignore, be strange toward, reject, resign, dissimulate (as if ignorant or disowning); acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly).
   
2. Strong's Number: H6440
   There are 1890 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּנִים
   Transliteration: pânîym
   Pronunciation: paw-neem'
   Description: plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from פָּנָה); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.); [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you.
   
3. Strong's Number: H2896
   There are 517 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: טוֹב
   Transliteration: ṭôwb
   Pronunciation: tobe
   Description: from טוֹב; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured).
   
4. Strong's Number: H6595
   There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פַּת
   Transliteration: path
   Pronunciation: path
   Description: from פָּתַת; a bit; meat, morsel, piece.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3899
   There are 277 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לֶחֶם
   Transliteration: lechem
   Pronunciation: lekh'-em
   Description: from לָחַם; See also בֵּית לְעַפְרָה; food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it); (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals.
   
6. Strong's Number: H1397
   There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גֶּבֶר
   Transliteration: geber
   Pronunciation: gheh'-ber
   Description: from גָּבַר; properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply; every one, man, [idiom] mighty.
   
7. Strong's Number: H6586
   There are 37 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּשַׁע
   Transliteration: pâshaʻ
   Pronunciation: paw-shah'
   Description: a primitive root (identical with through the idea of expansion); to break away (from just authority), i.e. trespass, apostatize, quarrel; offend, rebel, revolt, transgress(-ion, -or).