Proverbs 29:10

KJV

¶ The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

KJV (with Strong's)

The bloodthirsty {H582}{H1818} hate {H8130} the upright {H8535}: but the just {H3477} seek {H1245} his soul {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Men of blood hate those who are pure and seek the life of the upright.

Berean Standard Bible

Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.

American Standard Version

The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect; And as for the upright, they seek his life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 29:10 presents a stark and profound moral dichotomy, revealing the inherent conflict between those driven by malice and those committed to righteousness. It asserts that individuals characterized by violent intent and destructive desires harbor deep animosity towards the blameless and morally upright. Conversely, those who embody justice and integrity are depicted as actively striving for the well-being, preservation, and flourishing of the righteous, underscoring a fundamental spiritual battle between forces of evil and good within society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 29 is a rich collection of wisdom sayings that specifically focuses on the themes of leadership, governance, and the societal impact of individual character. The chapter frequently contrasts the righteous and the wicked, illustrating the consequences of their actions on themselves and the community. Verses preceding [Proverbs 29:10](/proverbs/29-10 "Proverbs 29:10 - The Bloodthirsty and the Just") often speak to the influence of rulers and the importance of justice (e.g., [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - When the Righteous Rule"), [Proverbs 29:4](/proverbs/29-4 "Proverbs 29:4 - A King by Justice")). This particular verse, therefore, fits seamlessly into this broader discussion by highlighting the inherent spiritual and moral opposition that arises when wickedness confronts integrity, and the protective counter-response of the just. It serves as a stark reminder of the moral landscape in which wisdom is applied.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many ancient Near Eastern cultures, understood the importance of justice and order for societal stability. The "bloodthirsty" (often referring to those who shed innocent blood or are prone to violence and oppression) represented a significant threat to communal harmony and the divinely ordained order. The concept of "uprightness" (Hebrew: *tam*) was deeply rooted in covenant faithfulness, implying blamelessness and integrity before God and man, often associated with those who adhered to the Mosaic Law. The "just" (Hebrew: *yashar*) were those who acted in accordance with God's righteous standards, often serving as judges or moral exemplars. The tension described in this proverb reflects the real-world challenges faced by righteous individuals in societies where corruption, violence, and injustice were prevalent, and where the vulnerable often relied on the advocacy of the just.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Proverbs. Firstly, it reinforces the **dichotomy between the righteous and the wicked**, a foundational theme throughout the entire book of [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life"), emphasizing that these are not neutral categories but active moral stances with opposing aims. Secondly, it highlights the **spiritual reality of opposition to good**, suggesting that evil is not merely the absence of good but an active force that despises and seeks to harm righteousness, echoing sentiments found in [John 3:20](/john/3-20 "John 3:20 - Evil Hates the Light"). Thirdly, it underscores the **responsibility of the just to protect the vulnerable**, illustrating that true justice involves active intervention and advocacy for those who are upright but targeted by malice, aligning with calls for justice found in passages like [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice, Help the Oppressed"). This verse paints a vivid picture of the moral battleground, where the character of individuals dictates their actions towards others.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bloodthirsty (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** While "bloodthirsty" is a composite translation (often involving H582 'ĕnôwsh, "man," and H1818 dâm, "blood"), the core word *dâm* (blood) here is crucial. It signifies not merely physical blood, but often carries the connotation of bloodshed, violence, and guilt associated with the taking of life or malicious intent. In this context, "bloodthirsty" refers to individuals characterized by their propensity for violence, malice, and destructive actions, whose very nature is antithetical to life and peace.
* **Upright (Hebrew, _tâm'_):** This word denotes completeness, integrity, and moral blamelessness. An "upright" person is one who is whole, morally sound, and pious, often implying a life lived in accordance with divine principles. They are not necessarily perfect, but their character is marked by sincerity, honesty, and a lack of guile, making them a stark contrast to the malicious "bloodthirsty."
* **Seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This primitive root means to search out, strive after, or earnestly desire. It implies a diligent and active pursuit, not just a passive wish. When the just "seek" the soul of the upright, it means they are actively engaged in procuring, protecting, or preserving their well-being, life, or very existence, demonstrating a proactive and compassionate concern.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The bloodthirsty hate the upright:"** This clause establishes the fundamental conflict. Individuals characterized by violence, malice, and a disregard for life inherently despise those who embody integrity, righteousness, and moral wholeness. The "hatred" (H8130, *sânêʼ*) is not a passive dislike but an active, personal animosity, stemming from the fact that the uprightness of the righteous exposes and condemns the darkness of the wicked.
* **"but the just seek his soul."** This second clause presents a powerful contrast and the counter-response of righteousness. "The just" (H3477, *yâshâr*), those who are straight, right, and equitable, do not merely tolerate the upright but actively "seek his soul." The term "soul" (H5315, *nephesh*) encompasses the entire being—life, person, spirit, and well-being. Therefore, the just are committed to the preservation, protection, and flourishing of the upright person's very existence, acting as advocates and guardians against the malice of the bloodthirsty.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 29:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where two contrasting lines express opposing ideas, creating a sharp moral dichotomy. The "bloodthirsty" are set against "the just," and their actions ("hate") are contrasted with the actions of the just ("seek his soul"). This parallelism emphasizes the irreconcilable nature of good and evil. Furthermore, the verse uses **Personification** by attributing human actions and motivations (hatred, seeking) to abstract categories ("the bloodthirsty," "the upright," "the just"), making the moral conflict vivid and relatable. The phrase "seek his soul" is also a powerful **Metonymy**, where "soul" (nephesh) stands for the entire person, their life, and well-being, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the protection offered by the just.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 29:10 profoundly illustrates the ongoing spiritual warfare in the world, where righteousness inevitably provokes hostility from those aligned with evil, while simultaneously eliciting protection from those who embody justice. This verse underscores the biblical truth that the world is not morally neutral; there are active forces of darkness that despise light, and conversely, there are those who, by divine grace, are compelled to defend and preserve what is good and true. It reflects the broader narrative of God's character as one who loves justice and protects the righteous, and calls His people to emulate this divine attribute.

* [Psalm 37:28](/psalms/37-28 "Psalm 37:28 - The Lord Loves Justice")
* [Matthew 5:10](/matthew/5-10 "Matthew 5:10 - Blessed are Those Persecuted for Righteousness")
* [1 Peter 3:13](/1_peter/3-13 "1 Peter 3:13 - Who is Going to Harm You?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 29:10 serves as a vital call to both discernment and action for believers today. It compels us to recognize that living a life of integrity and righteousness, especially in a fallen world, will inevitably draw animosity from those who are committed to malice and injustice. This understanding should not deter us, but rather prepare us for the spiritual opposition we may face. More importantly, the verse challenges us to embody the character of "the just" by actively seeking the well-being and protection of the upright, particularly those who are vulnerable, oppressed, or persecuted for their faith and moral stand. This might involve speaking out against injustice, offering practical support, advocating for the marginalized, or simply standing in solidarity with those who suffer for righteousness' sake. Our commitment to justice and compassion becomes a tangible expression of God's heart in a world often characterized by hatred and indifference.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you observed the "bloodthirsty" (those driven by malice or injustice) showing hatred towards the "upright" in your community or in the world?**
* **How can you, as someone seeking to be "just," actively "seek the soul" (i.e., protect the well-being) of the upright and vulnerable around you?**
* **What specific steps can you take to advocate for justice and stand with those who are persecuted for their righteousness?**

### FAQ
**Why do the "bloodthirsty" hate the "upright" instead of simply ignoring them?**

Answer: The hatred of the "bloodthirsty" for the "upright" is not merely indifference but an active animosity rooted in the nature of evil itself. Righteousness, by its very existence, exposes the darkness, corruption, and moral bankruptcy of those who are "bloodthirsty" or wicked. As [John 3:20](/john/3-20 "John 3:20 - Evil Hates the Light") states, "For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." The upright person's life serves as a living rebuke to the wicked, highlighting their guilt and condemning their actions. This confrontation often provokes a deep-seated resentment and a desire to eliminate the source of that conviction, leading to active hatred and persecution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 29:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "Upright" One, the perfectly blameless and righteous Son of God, who lived a life of absolute integrity in a world steeped in sin. He was indeed hated by the "bloodthirsty"—those consumed by malice, religious hypocrisy, and a desire for power, who ultimately sought His life. The religious leaders and Roman authorities, driven by envy and fear, conspired against Him, leading to His crucifixion, fulfilling the hatred described in the proverb (cf. [Matthew 27:18](/matthew/27-18 "Matthew 27:18 - Pilate Knew Their Envy")). Yet, in a divine paradox, Jesus is also the ultimate "Just" One, who, far from seeking to preserve His own earthly life, willingly laid it down to "seek the soul" of humanity. He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many, actively pursuing the salvation and well-being of those who were lost and vulnerable (cf. [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus, the Just, sought and secured the eternal life and flourishing of all who believe, demonstrating the ultimate act of protection and love against the forces of spiritual death and evil (cf. [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - I Have Come That They May Have Life")).

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

John 15:18

¶ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.

John 15:19

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Genesis 4:5

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

Genesis 4:8

¶ And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

2 Chronicles 18:7

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same [is] Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

1 John 3:12

Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

1 John 3:13

Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.