Proverbs 11:8

Authorized King James Version

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The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

Original Language Analysis

צַ֭דִּיק The righteous H6662
צַ֭דִּיק The righteous
Strong's: H6662
Word #: 1 of 6
just
מִצָּרָ֣ה of trouble H6869
מִצָּרָ֣ה of trouble
Strong's: H6869
Word #: 2 of 6
transitively, a female rival
נֶחֱלָ֑ץ is delivered out H2502
נֶחֱלָ֑ץ is delivered out
Strong's: H2502
Word #: 3 of 6
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
וַיָּבֹ֖א cometh H935
וַיָּבֹ֖א cometh
Strong's: H935
Word #: 4 of 6
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
רָשָׁ֣ע and the wicked H7563
רָשָׁ֣ע and the wicked
Strong's: H7563
Word #: 5 of 6
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
תַּחְתָּֽיו׃ H8478
תַּחְתָּֽיו׃
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 6 of 6
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Analysis & Commentary

The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his stead. A great exchange occurs - the righteous escape trouble that then falls on the wicked. This isn't vindictive but demonstrates divine justice - trouble intended for the righteous finds its proper object in the wicked. The principle appears throughout Scripture (think Joseph and his brothers, Daniel and his accusers).

Historical Context

Reflects biblical pattern where plots against the righteous backfire on the plotters. Ancient Israel repeatedly saw enemies' schemes redirected against themselves.

Questions for Reflection

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