Proverbs 29:16

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

Complete Jewish Bible:

When the wicked flourish, wrongdoing flourishes; but the righteous will witness their downfall.

Berean Standard Bible:

When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

American Standard Version:

When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth; But the righteous shall look upon their fall.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

When the wicked^{H7563} are multiplied^{H7235}, transgression^{H6588} increaseth^{H7235}: but the righteous^{H6662} shall see^{H7200} their fall^{H4658}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 29:16

Proverbs 29:16 is part of a collection of wise sayings in the Hebrew Bible, attributed to King Solomon, known for his wisdom. This particular proverb reflects on the consequences of societal moral decline. The verse suggests that when the number of wicked people in a society increases, so does the prevalence of sinful behavior. This observation speaks to a kind of social decay where immorality becomes more commonplace as more individuals engage in wrongdoing.

The latter part of the verse offers a glimmer of hope or justice, indicating that ultimately, the righteous will witness the downfall of the wicked. This can be interpreted in several ways: it could mean that those who maintain their integrity will outlast the wicked and see them face the consequences of their actions, or it could imply a moral victory where virtue is vindicated.

Historically, this proverb would have resonated with an Israelite audience that was often concerned with the maintenance of communal righteousness and the fear of divine judgment for societal sin. It reflects a broader biblical theme that the actions of individuals can affect the moral fabric of the entire community, and that righteousness and wickedness are often in tension with one another, with the expectation that righteousness will eventually prevail. The verse underscores the idea that moral character is not just a personal matter but has broader implications for society as a whole.

*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: H7563
   There are 249 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָשָׁע
   Transliteration: râshâʻ
   Pronunciation: raw-shaw'
   Description: from רָשַׁע; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person; [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong.
   
2. Strong's Number: H7235
   There are 211 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָבָה
   Transliteration: râbâh
   Pronunciation: raw-baw'
   Description: a primitive root; to increase (in whatever respect); (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for רָבַב), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6588
   There are 90 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פֶּשַׁע
   Transliteration: peshaʻ
   Pronunciation: peh'-shah
   Description: from פָּשַׁע; a revolt (national, moral or religious); rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6662
   There are 197 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צַדִּיק
   Transliteration: tsaddîyq
   Pronunciation: tsad-deek'
   Description: from צָדַק; just; just, lawful, righteous (man).
   
5. Strong's Number: H7200
   There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָאָה
   Transliteration: râʼâh
   Pronunciation: raw-aw'
   Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions.
   
6. Strong's Number: H4658
   There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַפֶּלֶת
   Transliteration: mappeleth
   Pronunciation: map-peh'-leth
   Description: from נָפַל; fall, i.e. decadence; concretely, a ruin; specifically a carcase; carcase, fall, ruin.