Proverbs 11:31
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
Original Language Analysis
יְשֻׁלָּ֑ם
shall be recompensed
H7999
יְשֻׁלָּ֑ם
shall be recompensed
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
4 of 8
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
אַ֝֗ף
H637
אַ֝֗ף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
5 of 8
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Jeremiah 25:29For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.Proverbs 13:21Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Historical Context
Concludes Proverbs 11 by emphasizing comprehensive divine justice. No one escapes divine accounting - righteousness receives appropriate reward/discipline; wickedness receives deserved judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does certainty of divine recompense for your actions affect your conduct?
- If righteous suffer discipline, how should the wicked tremble before coming judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; much more the wicked and the sinner. If even the righteous receive recompense (reward or discipline) for their deeds, how much more will the wicked face judgment! The verse uses qal vachomer (light to heavy) reasoning - if lesser case is true, greater case certainly is. Peter quotes this verse (1 Pet 4:17-18), applying it to judgment beginning with God's house.