Proverbs 13:21

KJV

¶ Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Evil {H7451} pursueth {H7291} sinners {H2400}: but to the righteous {H6662} good {H2896} shall be repayed {H7999}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Evil pursues sinners, but prosperity will reward the righteous.

Berean Standard Bible

Disaster pursues sinners, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.

American Standard Version

Evil pursueth sinners; But the righteous shall be recompensed with good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 13:21 presents a profound contrast between the destinies of the wicked and the righteous, asserting a fundamental principle of divine justice within the moral order of the world. It declares that negative consequences actively pursue those who persist in sin, while goodness, blessing, and recompense are assured outcomes for those who walk in integrity and righteousness. This proverb underscores the biblical truth that actions have inevitable, corresponding repercussions, reflecting God's consistent governance over human conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 13 sits within the larger collection of Solomonic proverbs (chapters 10-22), which are characterized by their concise, often antithetical, statements contrasting wisdom with folly, righteousness with wickedness, and their respective outcomes. This chapter, like many others, presents a series of independent yet thematically linked maxims that provide practical guidance for daily living. Verses immediately preceding Proverbs 13:21 discuss the value of diligent labor versus idleness (Proverbs 13:4), the deceptive nature of ill-gotten gain (Proverbs 13:11), and the security found in walking with the wise (Proverbs 13:20). Verse 21, therefore, serves as another clear articulation of the cause-and-effect relationship between moral choices and their consequences, reinforcing the overarching theme of divine retribution and reward that permeates the book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition prevalent in ancient Near Eastern cultures, though uniquely grounded in Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. In this context, wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but practical skill in living righteously before God and man, leading to a flourishing life. The concept of "recompense" or "repayment" was deeply embedded in the societal fabric, often seen in legal and economic transactions, but here it is extended to the moral realm. While immediate, tangible consequences were often observed, the proverb also speaks to a deeper, divinely ordained moral order that ensures ultimate justice, even if not always immediately apparent. The emphasis on individual conduct and its societal implications was crucial for maintaining order and promoting well-being within the Israelite community, reflecting the covenant stipulations found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 13:21 contributes significantly to several core themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Retributive Justice**, emphasizing that God's moral universe ensures that wicked actions lead to adverse outcomes, while righteous living yields positive results. This is a consistent message throughout wisdom literature, as seen in [Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked"). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Choices**, portraying evil and good not as passive states but as active forces that either pursue or are repaid to individuals based on their chosen path. This active pursuit of evil foreshadows the inescapable nature of sin's wages, as later articulated in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"). Thirdly, the proverb reinforces the **Blessings of Righteousness**, assuring those who align their lives with God's will that "good" will ultimately be their portion, encompassing peace, prosperity, and divine favor. This aligns with the promise that those who seek God's kingdom and righteousness will have all other things added to them, as taught by Jesus in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This word, H7451, is broad in its scope, encompassing everything from natural calamities and adversity to moral wickedness and sin. In this context, it refers to the negative consequences, distress, and harm that are the natural and divinely ordained outcome of unrighteous living. It is not merely the absence of good, but an active, destructive force.
* **Pursueth (Hebrew, _râdaph'_):** H7291, a primitive root, means "to run after," "to chase," or "to persecute," often with hostile intent. This vivid imagery suggests that evil is not a passive state that merely befalls sinners, but an active, relentless force that tracks them down, dogs their steps, and eventually overtakes them. It implies an inescapable consequence, a relentless hounding.
* **Repayed (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** H7999, a primitive root, signifies "to be safe," "to be complete," "to make amends," or "to reciprocate." Here, it carries the sense of completing a transaction, rendering back what is due, or making full restitution. For the righteous, "good" is not merely a possibility but a certainty, a settled account that will be fully rendered. This word is the root of "shalom" (peace, completeness), suggesting that the "good" repaid brings wholeness and well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Evil pursueth sinners:"** This clause vividly personifies "evil" as an active agent, relentlessly chasing after those who choose a life of sin. It implies that negative consequences are not random occurrences but are intrinsically linked to, and indeed, actively seek out, the unrighteous. This pursuit is inescapable, highlighting the natural and spiritual repercussions of defying God's moral order.
* **"but to the righteous good shall be repayed."** In stark contrast, this clause promises a certain and full recompense of "good" to those who live righteously. The term "repayed" (shâlam) suggests a complete and settled transaction, indicating that goodness, blessing, and divine favor are the guaranteed outcomes for those who align their lives with God's will. It speaks to a divine economy where integrity is honored and rewarded.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 13:21 is a classic example of **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry and wisdom literature. The first line presents one idea ("Evil pursueth sinners"), and the second line presents a contrasting idea ("but to the righteous good shall be repayed"). This structural device powerfully highlights the opposing destinies and consequences for two distinct groups: the wicked and the righteous. Furthermore, the proverb employs **Personification**, giving human-like qualities to abstract concepts. "Evil" is depicted as actively "pursuing" sinners, as if it were a hunter or a relentless creditor. Similarly, "good" is something that "shall be repayed," implying a deliberate, almost transactional, rendering of blessings. This personification makes the abstract concept of moral consequences tangible and immediate. The proverb also subtly uses **Metonymy**, where "evil" and "good" stand in for the consequences or experiences associated with wicked and righteous living, respectively.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb articulates a foundational principle of biblical theology: the inherent justice of God's moral universe. It posits that actions have intrinsic and divinely ordained consequences, reinforcing the concept of sowing and reaping. While not always immediate or visible, the spiritual and moral trajectory of a life lived in sin leads inevitably to distress and harm, whereas a life of righteousness ultimately yields blessing and favor. This is not merely a mechanistic principle but reflects the character of God, who is both just in His judgment of sin and faithful in His rewarding of obedience. The proverb encourages a life of integrity by appealing to the certainty of divine recompense.

* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked")
* [Romans 2:6-8](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6-8 - God's Impartial Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 13:21 serves as a profound call to introspection and a powerful motivator for righteous living. It compels us to consider the long-term trajectory of our choices, reminding us that every action, every decision, sets in motion a chain of consequences. Are we living in ways that invite the "pursuit" of evil—through dishonesty, selfishness, or disobedience—or are we cultivating a life of integrity, kindness, and faithfulness that positions us to receive the "good" that God promises? This proverb challenges the notion that one can escape the natural and spiritual repercussions of sin, while simultaneously offering immense encouragement to those who strive for righteousness. It underscores that God's moral order is reliable, and His promises of blessing for the obedient are steadfast. Our daily choices are not trivial; they are investments in our future, determining whether we are pursued by the consequences of sin or repaid with the blessings of righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing the "pursuit of evil" due to unconfessed sin or unrighteous choices?**
* **What specific "good" do I believe God desires to "repay" to me as I walk in righteousness, and how can I better align my life with His will to receive it?**
* **How does this proverb encourage me to persevere in doing good, even when immediate rewards are not apparent?**

### FAQ
**Does "evil pursueth sinners" mean that bad things only happen to bad people?**

Answer: No, this proverb should not be interpreted as a simplistic, one-to-one correlation where every misfortune is a direct punishment for a specific sin, or that righteous people never suffer. The Bible clearly teaches that [rain falls on the just and the unjust](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God's Common Grace"), and that righteous individuals can experience great suffering (e.g., Job). Instead, "evil pursueth sinners" refers to the *tendency* and *ultimate destiny* of a life lived apart from God's wisdom and righteousness. It speaks to the natural, cumulative, and spiritual consequences of sin—such as broken relationships, internal turmoil, societal decay, and ultimately, spiritual separation from God. It emphasizes that a life of sin is inherently self-destructive and leads to negative outcomes, even if not always immediately or visibly. It's about the moral architecture of the universe God has established, where sin carries its own destructive force.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 13:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks of a general principle of divine justice and recompense, humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill righteousness meant that all were "sinners" pursued by "evil," leading to the wages of sin, which is death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). However, in Christ, this dynamic is profoundly transformed. Jesus, the perfectly righteous one, was "pursued" by the ultimate evil of sin and death on the cross, not because of His own sin, but to bear the evil due to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). He became sin for us, so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God. Thus, for those who believe in Him, the "evil" that once pursued them has been conquered and disarmed by Christ's victory ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Furthermore, the "good" that is "repaid to the righteous" is now given to believers not based on their own imperfect works, but as a gracious gift through Christ's imputed righteousness. We receive spiritual blessings, peace with God, and the promise of eternal life, not as a earned repayment, but as the overflowing "good" of God's grace in Christ Jesus ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Ultimately, Christ's return will bring the full and final "repayment" of good to His righteous ones, as He comes to reward each person according to what they have done ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Return and Reward")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 32:10

Many sorrows [shall be] to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

Isaiah 3:10

Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Isaiah 3:11

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Romans 2:7

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

Romans 2:10

But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

Proverbs 13:13

¶ Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

Numbers 32:23

But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.