Proverbs 28:21

KJV

¶ To have respect of persons [is] not good: for for a piece of bread [that] man will transgress.

KJV (with Strong's)

To have respect {H5234} of persons {H6440} is not good {H2896}: for for a piece {H6595} of bread {H3899} that man {H1397} will transgress {H6586}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To show partiality is not good, though a person may do wrong for a crust of bread.

Berean Standard Bible

To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

American Standard Version

To have respect of persons is not good; Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:21 issues a profound warning against the insidious nature of partiality and the ease with which moral integrity can be compromised for even the most trivial gains. It asserts that showing favoritism, or "respect of persons," is inherently detrimental, as it opens the door to corruption, leading individuals to transgress justice and ethical boundaries for something as seemingly insignificant as "a piece of bread." This proverb underscores the vital importance of impartiality in all dealings and the dangers of allowing self-interest, however small, to corrupt righteous conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 28 is a collection of wisdom sayings that frequently contrasts the righteous with the wicked, emphasizing themes of justice, integrity, diligence, and the consequences of sin. This chapter, in particular, focuses on the behavior of leaders and the broader community, often highlighting the outcomes of uprightness versus corruption. Verses preceding [Proverbs 28:21](/proverbs/28-21 "Proverbs 28:21 - Partiality and Greed") speak about the righteous being bold and the wicked fleeing (v. 1), the ruin of a land due to transgression (v. 2), and the oppression of the poor (v. 3). The condemnation of "respect of persons" in verse 21 aligns seamlessly with the chapter's broader call for righteous governance and equitable treatment, serving as a specific application of the general principles of justice and integrity advocated throughout the book of Proverbs, such as those found in [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales are an Abomination").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of justice was deeply intertwined with the covenant relationship between God and His people. Judges and elders were divinely appointed to administer justice impartially, reflecting God's own character, who "shows no partiality and accepts no bribes" ([Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God's Impartiality")). Showing "respect of persons" (Hebrew: *nasa panim*) was a grave offense, as it undermined the very foundation of a just society. This practice involved judging or treating individuals based on their social status, wealth, family connections, or personal influence, rather than on the merits of their case or character. Such favoritism was explicitly forbidden in Mosaic Law, as seen in [Leviticus 19:15](/leviticus/19-15 "Leviticus 19:15 - Impartial Justice"). The "piece of bread" serves as a powerful cultural metaphor for a minimal, almost negligible, gain, highlighting the extreme moral degradation of someone willing to compromise justice for such a paltry reward.
* **Key Themes:** The verse centrally addresses the theme of **Impartiality vs. Partiality**, presenting a strong condemnation of favoritism in any form. God's standard for His people, particularly those in authority, is absolute fairness, where judgment is based on truth and righteousness, not external factors. This principle is foundational to a just society and is echoed throughout the Law and Prophets, as illustrated in [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Do Not Pervert Justice"). Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **Corruption and Compromise**, vividly illustrating how easily principles can be abandoned. The willingness to "transgress" for "a piece of bread" underscores the insidious nature of corruption, which often begins with seemingly small concessions or bribes, leading to a complete erosion of integrity. This speaks to the broader biblical emphasis on maintaining **Integrity and Righteousness** in all dealings, recognizing that true justice cannot exist where partiality reigns, a truth consistently upheld from the foundational laws in [Exodus 23:3](/exodus/23-3 "Exodus 23:3 - Do Not Show Partiality to the Poor") to the prophetic calls for justice in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Justice Rolls Down Like Waters").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Respect (Hebrew, _nâkar'_):** H5234, from נָכַר. This root means "to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at," but also, "to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere," or conversely, "to disregard, ignore, be strange toward." When combined with "persons" (faces), it forms the idiom for showing partiality or preferential treatment, implying an act of discerning or recognizing someone in a way that leads to biased judgment rather than objective assessment.
* **Persons (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** H6440, from פָּנֶה. This word is the plural of an unused noun meaning "face." It is used in a vast array of applications, literally and figuratively, often referring to the presence, countenance, or individual. In the idiom "respect of persons" (literally "to lift up the face"), it refers to showing deference or favor to an individual based on their outward appearance, status, or identity, rather than their character or the merits of their case.
* **Transgress (Hebrew, _pâshaʻ'_):** H6586, a primitive root. This word signifies "to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel." In the context of Proverbs 28:21, it denotes a deliberate act of rebellion against what is right, a violation of moral or legal boundaries, specifically in the context of perverting justice or acting unrighteously for personal gain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To have respect of persons is not good:"** This clause directly condemns the practice of partiality. The Hebrew idiom *nasa panim* (to lift up the face) implies showing favoritism or preferential treatment to an individual, often based on their status or appearance, rather than judging them impartially. The declaration that this practice is "not good" (Hebrew: *lo-tov*) signifies that it is morally wrong, harmful, and contrary to divine wisdom and justice. It is an abomination in God's sight and destructive to societal well-being.
* **"for for a piece of bread that man will transgress."** This second clause provides the reason or consequence for the condemnation of partiality. The phrase "for a piece of bread" is a powerful metaphor, indicating a very small, insignificant gain or bribe. It highlights the shocking ease and low threshold at which a person, described as *geber* (a valiant man, or simply "a man"), will abandon principles and "transgress" (Hebrew: *pâshaʻ*), meaning to rebel, trespass, or violate justice. This illustrates the corrupting power of even minimal self-interest, showing how easily integrity can be sacrificed for fleeting, trivial benefits.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 28:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The central device is **Idiom**, specifically the Hebrew phrase *nasa panim*, translated as "respect of persons." This idiom literally means "to lift up the face," signifying the act of showing favor or preferential treatment to someone, often by acknowledging their status or appearance rather than their true character or the merits of a situation. This idiomatic expression powerfully encapsulates the concept of partiality. Furthermore, the proverb utilizes **Symbolism** through the phrase "a piece of bread." This seemingly innocuous item serves as a potent symbol for a trivial gain, a paltry bribe, or any minor personal advantage. Its smallness emphasizes the shocking degree to which human integrity can be compromised for even the most negligible reward. Finally, there is an implicit **Contrast** between what is "good" (impartiality) and the act of "transgressing" (corruption for gain), highlighting the stark moral choice individuals face when confronted with temptation to show favoritism.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on God's character as perfectly just and impartial, and His expectation that His people, especially those in positions of authority, reflect this divine attribute. Partiality is not merely a social ill but a theological offense, as it distorts justice, undermines truth, and disregards the inherent dignity of all individuals, whom God created in His image. The willingness to compromise for "a piece of bread" reveals a heart that values fleeting personal gain over righteousness, a fundamental betrayal of covenantal fidelity. This principle extends beyond judicial settings to all aspects of life, calling believers to cultivate a spirit of equity and fairness in their relationships, business dealings, and community interactions, recognizing that true wisdom is demonstrated in righteous living.

* [Deuteronomy 1:17](/deuteronomy/1-17 "Deuteronomy 1:17 - Impartial Judgment Commanded"): "Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's..."
* [James 2:9](/james/2-9 "James 2:9 - Partiality is Sin"): "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."
* [Galatians 2:6](/galatians/2-6 "Galatians 2:6 - God Shows No Partiality"): "But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 28:21 serves as a timeless mirror, challenging us to examine our own hearts and actions for any trace of partiality or willingness to compromise integrity for personal benefit. In a world often driven by connections, status, and self-promotion, this proverb calls us back to the foundational principle of treating all people with dignity, fairness, and unwavering justice, regardless of their background, influence, or perceived worth. It warns against the subtle temptations that can erode our moral compass, reminding us that even small concessions to injustice can lead to significant moral failures. True integrity is demonstrated not just in resisting grand temptations, but in refusing to compromise our principles for even "a piece of bread"—a minor advantage, a fleeting comfort, or a slight personal gain. This applies to every sphere of life, from how we interact with colleagues and neighbors to how we make decisions in leadership roles, urging us to embody God's own impartiality and righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to show "respect of persons" or partiality, even subtly?**
* **What "pieces of bread"—small gains or comforts—might tempt me to compromise my integrity or overlook injustice?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a heart of impartiality and a commitment to justice in my daily interactions and decisions?**
* **What steps can I take to advocate for fairness and oppose partiality within my community or sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What does "respect of persons" mean in a biblical context?**

Answer: In a biblical context, "respect of persons" refers to showing favoritism or partiality based on someone's outward appearance, wealth, social status, or connections, rather than judging them impartially based on truth and merit. It is condemned throughout Scripture as a perversion of justice and an act contrary to God's character, who Himself "shows no partiality" ([Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God's Impartiality")). This concept is particularly relevant in judicial settings, but it applies to all areas of life where fairness and equity are required.

**Why is compromising for "a piece of bread" highlighted as such a significant issue?**

Answer: The phrase "a piece of bread" serves as a powerful metaphor for a very small, almost negligible, gain or bribe. Its significance lies in highlighting the extreme ease and low threshold at which an individual might abandon their moral principles and "transgress" (violate justice or ethical boundaries). It underscores the insidious nature of corruption, which often begins with seemingly minor concessions. The proverb teaches that true integrity means refusing to compromise for *any* gain, no matter how small, because even a minor compromise can lead to a complete erosion of one's ethical stance and a perversion of justice, as seen in the warnings against bribery throughout [Exodus 23](/exodus/23 "Exodus 23 - Laws of Justice and Mercy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb warns against human partiality, Christ Himself perfectly embodies divine impartiality. He "had no respect of persons" in His ministry, reaching out to the marginalized, the poor, and the outcast, just as readily as to the rich and powerful, demonstrating God's universal love and justice ([Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Zacchaeus the Tax Collector")). Unlike the man who "transgresses for a piece of bread," Jesus resisted every temptation to compromise His mission for earthly gain, famously refusing to turn stones into bread in the wilderness, thereby rejecting the very temptation of material comfort over divine purpose ([Matthew 4:1-4](/matthew/4-1-4 "Matthew 4:1-4 - Temptation in the Wilderness")). His ultimate sacrifice on the cross was not for personal gain, but for the redemption of humanity, a selfless act that perfectly upholds divine justice while extending boundless grace. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ establishes a new covenant where all are welcomed into God's family without partiality, and believers are called to live out this same impartiality, reflecting His character in their dealings with one another, knowing that in Christ, "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")).

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 24:23

¶ These [things] also [belong] to the wise. [It is] not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

Ezekiel 13:19

And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear [your] lies?

Proverbs 18:5

¶ [It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

Exodus 23:8

And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

Exodus 23:2

Thou shalt not follow a multitude to [do] evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest [judgment]:

Micah 3:5

Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.