Proverbs 26:10

KJV

¶ The great [God] that formed all [things] both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

KJV (with Strong's)

The great {H7227} God that formed {H2342} all things both rewardeth {H7936} the fool {H3684}, and rewardeth {H7936} transgressors {H5674}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A master can make anything, but hiring a fool is like hiring some passer-by.

Berean Standard Bible

Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or passerby.

American Standard Version

As an archer that woundeth all, So is he that hireth a fool and he that hireth them that pass by.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 26:10, as rendered in the King James Version, presents a profound declaration of God's universal sovereignty and unwavering justice. It asserts that the Creator, the "great God that formed all things," is the ultimate arbiter who ensures that both the morally foolish and those who overtly transgress receive their just recompense. This verse underscores the divine oversight of all human actions, affirming that no deed, whether born of ignorance or rebellion, escapes the righteous attention and ultimate "reward" (in the sense of consequence) of the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 26 is primarily dedicated to the characteristics and consequences of dealing with fools and sluggards. This chapter offers a series of pithy, often contrasting, observations on how to interact with or respond to foolish behavior, emphasizing the futility and danger of such interactions. Verses 1-9, for instance, provide practical advice on how *not* to engage with a fool, highlighting the paradoxical nature of responding to folly. Verse 10, however, marks a distinct shift. While still concerned with the "fool" and "transgressor," it moves beyond human interaction to focus on the divine perspective and ultimate divine judgment. It serves as a theological anchor within a highly practical chapter, reminding the reader that beyond human attempts to manage folly, there is a higher authority who governs all. This shift in focus elevates the discussion from mere human prudence to a profound theological truth about God's character and His active role in the world, a theme echoed throughout the wisdom literature, such as in [Job's reflections on divine wisdom](/job/28 "Job 28 - Where Can Wisdom Be Found?").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerges from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, a genre concerned with practical ethics, moral instruction, and the pursuit of a flourishing life. In ancient Israel, wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but a deep understanding of God's created order and the moral principles that govern it. The "fool" (Hebrew: *kᵉçîyl*) in Proverbs is not simply unintelligent but morally perverse, one who rejects wisdom, instruction, and the fear of the Lord. "Transgressors" (Hebrew: *ʻâbar*) are those who cross established boundaries, violating moral or covenantal laws. Society understood that actions had consequences, but Proverbs consistently elevates this understanding to a divine level, positing that the cosmic order is maintained by God. The KJV's specific rendering of this verse, while debated by modern scholars, aligns with the broader Israelite worldview that God is the supreme Creator and Judge, actively involved in the affairs of humanity, ensuring that justice, though sometimes delayed, is ultimately meted out. This worldview is foundational to the covenant relationship described in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").
* **Key Themes:** The KJV's interpretation of Proverbs 26:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**. God is presented as the ultimate authority, the Creator who "formed all things," and therefore the one who holds all accountable. This reinforces the biblical truth that God is the righteous judge of all the earth, as seen in [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness"). Secondly, the verse highlights the universal principle of **Accountability for Actions**. Whether one acts out of foolishness or deliberate rebellion, consequences are inevitable, ultimately administered or permitted by God. This theme is central to Proverbs, which consistently teaches that one's choices lead to either life or destruction, a concept deeply explored in [Proverbs 1](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Purpose of Proverbs and the Call to Wisdom"). Thirdly, it delineates the **Nature of Folly and Transgression**. The verse implies that both categories of behavior incur divine "reward," often in the form of punitive consequences. The "fool" is morally deficient, while the "transgressor" actively rebels against divine or societal norms, and both are subject to God's righteous judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **great (Hebrew, _rab'_):** From H7227, this word signifies abundance in quantity, size, age, number, rank, or quality. In this context, applied to God, it emphasizes His immense power, authority, and preeminence as the "great God," highlighting His supreme position as the Creator and Judge over all creation.
* **formed (Hebrew, _chûwl'_):** From H2342, a primitive root meaning "to twist or whirl," which can extend to "to writhe in pain (especially of parturition)," and figuratively, "to form" or "bring forth." The KJV translators interpreted this in the sense of God's creative act, "formed all things," aligning with the idea of God as the one who brings creation into being through a powerful, perhaps even agonizing, process. This interpretation emphasizes God's role as the sovereign Maker.
* **fool (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** From H3684, meaning "fat," and figuratively, "stupid or silly." In Proverbs, a *kᵉçîyl* is not merely unintelligent but morally obtuse, someone who despises wisdom, lacks moral discernment, and stubbornly persists in a path of self-destruction, often characterized by arrogance and a refusal to learn.
* **transgressors (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, a primitive root meaning "to cross over." This term is widely used for any transition, literally or figuratively. In a moral context, it means to "transgress" or "pass over" a boundary, a law, or a moral standard. "Transgressors" are those who willfully violate established norms, acting in rebellion or unfaithfulness.
* **rewardeth (Hebrew, _sâkar'_):** From H7936, a primitive root meaning "to hire" or "to earn wages." The KJV's use of "rewardeth" here carries the sense of recompense or payment for actions, whether positive or negative. In this context, it implies that God "pays" or "deals with" the fool and the transgressor according to their deeds, underscoring the principle of divine justice and consequence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The great [God] that formed all [things]":** This clause establishes the identity and authority of the subject. The KJV's interpretive insertion of "[God]" and "[things]" clarifies the Hebrew's more ambiguous phrasing (which could refer to a "great master" or "archer"). By rendering it this way, the KJV emphasizes God's supreme nature as the "great" (H7227, *rab*) Creator (H2342, *chûwl*) of the entire cosmos. This sets the stage for divine action, grounding His subsequent judgments in His ultimate power and foundational role.
* **"both rewardeth the fool,":** This segment introduces the first recipient of divine recompense: the "fool" (H3684, *kᵉçîyl*). The verb "rewardeth" (H7936, *sâkar*) indicates that God metes out consequences. For the fool, this "reward" is typically negative, reflecting the natural and divine consequences of rejecting wisdom, acting impulsively, and living without moral discernment. It implies that God's justice extends even to those whose actions are born of moral stupidity rather than outright malice.
* **"and rewardeth transgressors.":** This final clause parallels the previous one, extending the principle of divine recompense to "transgressors" (H5674, *ʻâbar*). These are individuals who actively cross moral or legal boundaries, engaging in willful rebellion or sin. The repetition of "rewardeth" underscores the certainty and universality of God's justice. Both the morally ignorant fool and the deliberate rebel are held accountable by the sovereign Creator, demonstrating that no one is exempt from His righteous judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 26:10, in the KJV rendering, employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Personification**, where God is presented as an active agent who "forms" and "rewards," emphasizing His direct involvement in the moral order of the world. There is clear **Juxtaposition** between "the fool" and "transgressors," highlighting two distinct but equally culpable categories of individuals who incur divine judgment. While the "fool" might be characterized by moral obtuseness, the "transgressor" is marked by deliberate rebellion, yet both face the same divine reckoning. The phrase "formed all things" serves as a form of **Merism** or **Hyperbole**, encompassing the totality of creation, thereby underscoring the universal scope of God's authority and judgment. This expansive claim reinforces the idea that nothing is outside His purview. Finally, the repetition of "rewardeth" creates a strong sense of **Emphasis** and **Parallelism**, reinforcing the certainty and impartiality of divine justice. It is a powerful rhetorical device that hammers home the message that consequences are inevitable for all who deviate from God's wisdom and righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 26:10, particularly in its KJV rendering, stands as a powerful testament to the biblical doctrine of divine sovereignty and retributive justice. It asserts that God, as the ultimate Creator and sustainer of the universe, is intimately involved in the moral governance of His creation. His "reward" for the fool and the transgressor is not necessarily a blessing but a just consequence, whether immediate or ultimate, reflecting the inherent moral order He established. This truth provides comfort that no injustice or moral failing ultimately escapes His notice, and it serves as a profound call to live wisely and righteously, recognizing that all actions are performed before the eyes of the Almighty. It reminds us that God's character demands that He uphold righteousness, and His omnipotence ensures that He can and will.

* [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done")
* [Hebrews 10:30](/hebrews/10-30 "Hebrews 10:30 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The KJV's rendering of Proverbs 26:10 calls us to a profound reverence for God and a sober assessment of our own lives. Understanding that the "great God" who meticulously "formed all things" also "rewardeth" both the fool and the transgressor should instill in us a healthy fear of the Lord, which, as Proverbs consistently teaches, is the beginning of wisdom. This verse compels us to examine our own hearts: Do we stubbornly cling to foolish ways, or do we willfully cross the boundaries of God's commands? It reminds us that while human justice may falter, divine justice is unwavering and comprehensive. This truth should motivate us to actively pursue wisdom, embrace righteousness, and live in humble submission to God's will, trusting that He is perfectly just in all His dealings. It also offers solace in a world often marked by apparent injustice, assuring us that ultimately, God sees and will make all things right.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the KJV's emphasis on God as the "great God that formed all things" impact your understanding of His authority over human actions?**
* **In what ways might God "reward" (i.e., bring consequences upon) a "fool" or a "transgressor" in today's world?**
* **How does the certainty of divine justice, as presented in this verse, influence your pursuit of wisdom and righteousness?**
* **What comfort or challenge does this verse present to you regarding the apparent injustices you observe in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why does the King James Version translate this verse so differently from many modern translations?**

Answer: The KJV's unique translation of Proverbs 26:10, particularly "The great God that formed all things," stems from specific interpretive choices regarding ambiguous Hebrew words. The word translated "great" (H7227, *rab*) can mean "great," "many," or "master." The verb translated "formed" (H2342, *chûwl*) is particularly challenging, able to mean "to twist," "to pierce," "to bring forth/form," or even "to hire." The KJV translators, likely influenced by theological considerations and a desire to see God's direct involvement, chose the interpretation that emphasizes God as the Creator and Judge. Many modern translations, like the NIV ("An archer wounds everyone") or ESV ("Like a master who hires any passing fool or drunkard"), opt for alternative readings based on different lexical possibilities of these Hebrew terms, often suggesting a human agent rather than God. However, the KJV's rendering, while linguistically debated, aligns with broader biblical themes of [divine sovereignty](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases") and justice.

**Does "rewardeth" in this context imply a positive outcome for the fool and transgressor?**

Answer: No, in the context of Proverbs 26:10, "rewardeth" (H7936, *sâkar*) does not imply a positive outcome. While the Hebrew word can mean "to hire" or "to earn wages," in this specific verse, especially when applied to "the fool" and "transgressors," it carries the connotation of recompense or consequence. It signifies that God "pays back" or "deals with" these individuals according to their actions. Given the negative connotations of "fool" and "transgressor" throughout Proverbs, the "reward" is understood as a just and often punitive outcome or the natural, destructive consequences of their choices. This aligns with the biblical principle that [God repays each person according to what they have done](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done"), whether good or evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 26:10, in its declaration of God as the "great God that formed all things" who "rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. While the Old Testament verse speaks of God's general justice and the inevitable consequences of folly and sin, Jesus Christ is revealed as the ultimate agent through whom this divine justice is perfectly enacted and, remarkably, through whom redemption is offered. As the [Word through whom all things were made](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All things were made through him"), Jesus is the very God who "formed all things," embodying the creative power mentioned in Proverbs. He is also the one to whom [all judgment has been committed by the Father](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son"). Therefore, the "reward" for the fool and transgressor ultimately comes through Him, whether as righteous condemnation for those who reject Him or as redemptive grace for those who turn to Him in faith. For those who remain in their folly and transgression, Christ will return as the [righteous Judge](/2_timothy/4-8 "2 Timothy 4:8 - The Crown of Righteousness"), bringing ultimate accountability. Yet, for those who acknowledge their foolishness and rebellion and seek His mercy, He became the ultimate "reward" for sin on the cross, taking upon Himself the consequences due to transgressors, so that [whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - For God So Loved the World"). Thus, Christ is both the embodiment of the "great God" who judges and the merciful Savior who offers an escape from the "reward" of sin.

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

Proverbs 11:31

¶ Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

Romans 2:6

Who will render to every man according to his deeds: