Proverbs 21:27

¶ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination: how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

The sacrifice {H2077} of the wicked {H7563} is abomination {H8441}: how much more, when he bringeth {H935} it with a wicked mind {H2154}?

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with vile motives.

The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with ill intent!

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind!

Proverbs 21:27 commentary: This powerful verse from the book of Proverbs delivers a stark warning about the nature of true worship and God's view of hypocrisy. It declares that outward religious acts are not only meaningless but become detestable when performed by those whose hearts are full of wickedness.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, sacrifice was a central component of worship, a divinely ordained system for atonement, thanksgiving, and communion with God. People brought animals, grain, and other offerings to the tabernacle or temple. However, the prophets consistently emphasized that these rituals were only acceptable if accompanied by a sincere heart and a life of righteousness. Prophets like Isaiah and Amos frequently condemned empty ritual without true repentance, highlighting that God desired justice and mercy more than burnt offerings. Proverbs 21:27 reinforces this deep-seated biblical principle, asserting that God sees beyond mere external performance to the heart's true condition.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sincerity Over Ritual: The primary message is that God values the state of the heart above any religious observance. A sacrifice, or any act of worship, is only pleasing to God if it comes from a genuine place of devotion and a desire for righteousness.
  • The Abomination of Hypocrisy: The verse states that the "sacrifice of the wicked is abomination." This is already a strong condemnation. But it intensifies, asking, "how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?" This highlights that performing religious acts while harboring evil intentions or living a life contrary to God's will is not merely ineffective, but actively offensive to God. It is a profound form of spiritual deceit.
  • God's Omniscience: This proverb implicitly teaches that God sees and knows the true motives of the heart. No outward show of piety can deceive Him. He judges not just the act, but the intent behind it. This theme is also echoed in Proverbs 15:8.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Abomination" (Hebrew: to'evah - תּוֹעֵבָה): This is a very strong word in Hebrew, often used to describe practices or things utterly detestable to God. It's used for idolatry, sexual perversion, dishonest business practices, and other grave sins that are morally repugnant to God's nature. Its use here underscores the severity of offering worship with a wicked heart.
  • "Wicked mind" (Hebrew: zimmah - זִמָּה): This term refers to malicious intent, depraved thoughts, or evil schemes. It implies a deliberate and calculating wickedness. The verse emphasizes that when a person brings a sacrifice (or performs any religious act) with such a corrupt inner disposition, their action is even more abhorrent to God.

Practical Application

Proverbs 21:27 serves as a timeless challenge for believers today. It compels us to examine the motives behind our religious practices and spiritual disciplines. Are our prayers, giving, church attendance, and acts of service truly from a heart devoted to God, or are they merely outward performances meant to impress others or fulfill a duty without genuine transformation?

This verse reminds us that God desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). It echoes the New Testament emphasis that true worship comes from the heart and a life aligned with God's commands, not just from outward adherence to rituals. For our worship and service to be acceptable to God, they must flow from a sincere, repentant, and righteous heart.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 66:3

    He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

  • Proverbs 15:8

    ¶ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.

  • Jeremiah 6:20

    To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings [are] not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.

  • Matthew 23:13

    But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

  • 1 Samuel 15:21

    But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.

  • 1 Samuel 15:23

    For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king.

  • Psalms 50:8

    I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, [to have been] continually before me.

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