Proverbs 26:27

KJV

¶ Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whoso diggeth {H3738} a pit {H7845} shall fall {H5307} therein: and he that rolleth {H1556} a stone {H68}, it will return {H7725} upon him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on the one who starts it rolling.

Berean Standard Bible

He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

American Standard Version

Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 26:27 powerfully articulates the principle of retributive justice, asserting that malicious actions inevitably rebound upon their perpetrator. Through the vivid imagery of digging a pit and rolling a stone, the proverb illustrates that those who scheme harm against others will ultimately become victims of their own devices, underscoring the inherent moral order of the universe where wickedness is self-defeating.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 26:27 is situated within a larger collection of wisdom sayings (Proverbs 25-29) often attributed to Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah. This section frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, using pithy, memorable couplets to convey profound truths about human character and conduct. The immediate context of chapter 26 focuses on the folly of fools, the dangers of gossip, deceit, and malice, and the deceptive nature of hatred. This particular verse serves as a climactic warning against active malevolence, demonstrating how such destructive intent ultimately backfires, reinforcing the broader theme that one's actions have inescapable consequences within God's moral universe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed in Proverbs 26:27 is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern world. "Digging a pit" (Hebrew: *kârâh shachath*) refers to the common practice of creating concealed traps, often for animals, but also for enemies in warfare or personal vendettas. These pits could be deep, camouflaged holes designed to ensnare and injure. "Rolling a stone" (*gâlal 'eben*) evokes the arduous labor of moving large, heavy stones, which were used for various purposes such as blocking wellheads, sealing tombs, or as instruments of violence (e.g., rolling stones down a hill onto an enemy). Both actions imply deliberate, often strenuous, effort directed toward a harmful outcome. The proverb thus draws on familiar, tangible acts of malice to illustrate a universal spiritual and ethical principle.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb succinctly encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout wisdom literature. The most prominent is the **"boomerang effect" of malice**, where evil deeds or schemes designed to hurt others invariably turn back on the perpetrator. This highlights a fundamental aspect of divine justice, implying a moral universe where consequences are inherent to actions, even if not immediately visible. It serves as a potent **warning against scheming and deceit**, urging individuals to live with integrity rather than engaging in underhanded tactics. The proverb also implicitly touches upon the theme of **divine sovereignty and the natural order of justice**, suggesting that God has woven a principle of self-retribution into the fabric of creation. This aligns with broader biblical teachings on sowing and reaping, as seen in passages like [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"), which states, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Similarly, [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked's Own Trap") vividly depicts the wicked falling into the very pit they dug.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **diggeth (Hebrew, _kârâh'_):** From the primitive root H3738, meaning "to dig" literally, but figuratively "to plot." This word emphasizes the intentional, premeditated effort involved in devising harm. It's not a casual act but a deliberate excavation, suggesting careful planning and malicious intent to create a snare.
* **pit (Hebrew, _shachath'_):** From H7845, referring to a pit, especially as a trap, but also figuratively meaning "destruction" or "corruption." This word underscores the destructive purpose of the digging, indicating a hidden danger designed to cause downfall, injury, or ruin. It implies a concealed and dangerous snare.
* **rolleth (Hebrew, _gâlal'_):** From the primitive root H1556, meaning "to roll" (literally or figuratively). This term conveys the physical exertion and concerted effort required to move a heavy object, further emphasizing the intentionality and labor invested in the malicious act. It suggests a forceful, deliberate action aimed at causing an impact.
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From the primitive root H7725, meaning "to turn back" or "to return." This word is crucial for the proverb's message, as it describes the inevitable reversal of fortune. The stone, once rolled with malicious intent, does not continue on its destructive path but rather turns back upon the one who set it in motion, signifying the inescapable consequences of one's actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein":** This clause presents the first vivid metaphor. The act of "digging a pit" signifies a deliberate, often secretive, scheme or trap designed to ensnare or harm another person. The consequence, "shall fall therein," indicates that the very trap prepared for someone else will become the downfall of its creator. This speaks to the ironic and self-defeating nature of malicious plotting, where the intended victim is spared, and the aggressor suffers the designed fate.
* **"and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him":** This second clause offers a parallel metaphor, reinforcing the same principle. "Rolling a stone" implies a forceful, often destructive, act intended to cause damage or block a path for another. The phrase "it will return upon him" illustrates the inevitable rebound effect; the force and harm intended for others will, by a principle of natural or divine justice, be redirected back to the one who initiated it. Both clauses underscore the futility and self-destructive nature of malevolence.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 26:27 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. **Synonymous Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "digging a pit" and "rolling a stone" are distinct but analogous actions, both leading to the same outcome: the perpetrator's own undoing. This repetition reinforces the universality and certainty of the principle. The verse relies heavily on **Metaphor** and **Imagery**, transforming abstract concepts of malice and retribution into concrete, relatable physical actions. The "pit" symbolizes a hidden trap or scheme, while the "stone" represents a forceful, destructive act. The outcome—falling into the pit or having the stone return—is a powerful **Irony**, where the effort expended for harm becomes the instrument of self-destruction. This ironic twist serves as a potent warning. The proverb itself functions as a piece of **Didactic Wisdom Literature**, offering practical moral instruction through a concise, memorable statement that reveals a fundamental truth about the moral order of the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 26:27 is a powerful declaration of God's inherent moral order, where justice is not merely an external imposition but a principle woven into the fabric of creation. It reflects the biblical understanding that actions have consequences, particularly when those actions are rooted in malice and deceit. The proverb suggests that even without direct divine intervention, the very nature of evil is self-destructive. Those who sow seeds of discord, harm, or treachery will inevitably reap a harvest of their own making. This truth reassures the righteous that God's justice will prevail, even if not immediately apparent, and serves as a stark warning to those who contemplate wickedness. It points to a universe where moral accountability is inescapable, reflecting God's righteous character.

* [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked's Own Trap") - "He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made."
* [Ecclesiastes 10:8](/ecclesiastes/10-8 "Ecclesiastes 10:8 - Consequences of Actions") - "He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him."
* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord and Retribution") - "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 26:27 offers timeless wisdom for navigating human relationships and personal conduct. It serves as a profound reminder that our intentions and actions, particularly those rooted in malice, carry an inherent consequence that often redounds upon ourselves. This proverb calls us to self-examination, urging us to consider the underlying motives of our hearts. Are we tempted to scheme, gossip, or undermine others for personal gain or out of resentment? The proverb warns that such paths are ultimately self-destructive, leading to our own downfall rather than the intended harm of others. Conversely, it encourages a life of integrity, transparency, and benevolence, recognizing that sowing goodness yields a reciprocal harvest. For those who have been wronged, it offers a measure of comfort and trust in a just God, knowing that the wicked's own devices will ultimately ensnare them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "dig a pit" or "roll a stone" against someone, perhaps through gossip, manipulation, or resentment?**
* **How does this proverb encourage me to live with greater integrity and transparency in my interactions with others?**
* **How can trusting in the principle of divine justice, as expressed in this proverb, help me release bitterness or the desire for personal vengeance when I feel wronged?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb guarantee immediate, literal retribution for every malicious act?**

Answer: While Proverbs 26:27 highlights a fundamental principle of divine justice—that malicious actions often boomerang on the perpetrator—it does not necessarily guarantee immediate or literal retribution in every instance. Proverbs, by nature, are general truths and observations about the moral order of the world, not absolute promises or scientific laws. There may be times when the wicked seem to prosper for a season (as lamented in [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")), but the overarching biblical narrative and wisdom literature consistently affirm that ultimate justice will prevail. The "return" of the pit or stone may manifest in various ways: a loss of reputation, strained relationships, inner turmoil, or ultimately, divine judgment. The proverb serves as a strong warning about the inevitable, rather than the immediate, consequences of evil, reminding us that God's moral universe is ultimately just.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 26:27 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks of the wicked falling into their own traps, Jesus, the Righteous One, willingly entered the "pit" of human sin and death, which was dug by humanity's rebellion. The "stone" that humanity rolled to seal its own fate, the stone of the law's condemnation and the grave's finality, was rolled away by God's power through Christ's resurrection ([Matthew 28:2](/matthew/28-2 "Matthew 28:2 - The Angel and the Stone")). The very schemes of the wicked, who plotted to kill Jesus ([Matthew 26:4](/matthew/26-4 "Matthew 26:4 - Plot to Kill Jesus")), ultimately became the means of their salvation and the defeat of Satan, the ultimate schemer ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Christ took upon himself the "return" of the world's sin, suffering the just consequences that should have fallen upon us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, He transformed the pit of destruction into a path to life, and the stone of judgment into a cornerstone of salvation ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). Thus, in Christ, the principle of the proverb is both perfectly exemplified in the defeat of evil and graciously subverted for those who trust in Him, as He bore the consequences so we might receive grace.

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 28:10

¶ Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good [things] in possession.

Psalms 9:15

The heathen are sunk down in the pit [that] they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.

Psalms 7:15

He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [which] he made.

Psalms 7:16

His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

Psalms 10:2

The wicked in [his] pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

Ecclesiastes 10:8

He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

Psalms 57:6

They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves]. Selah.