Proverbs 13:9
The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
Original Language Analysis
אוֹר
The light
H216
אוֹר
The light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
1 of 6
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
יִשְׂמָ֑ח
rejoiceth
H8055
יִשְׂמָ֑ח
rejoiceth
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
3 of 6
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
וְנֵ֖ר
but the lamp
H5216
וְנֵ֖ר
but the lamp
Strong's:
H5216
Word #:
4 of 6
a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.Proverbs 24:20For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.Psalms 112:4Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.Proverbs 20:20Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.Psalms 97:11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.Matthew 25:8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
Historical Context
In ancient times without electricity, light symbolized life, security, and prosperity. Lamps burning through the night indicated a living household. Extinguished lamps meant death, desolation, or judgment. God promised David his lamp wouldn't be extinguished (1 Kings 11:36, 15:4)—his dynasty would endure. Conversely, God threatened to extinguish wicked Jeroboam's family (1 Kings 14:10). The imagery powerfully communicated permanence versus extinction.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean practically for your 'light' to rejoice—to shine with increasing brightness in word and deed?
- In what ways might your light be dimming due to sin, compromise, or neglect of spiritual disciplines?
- How does abiding in Christ the Light (John 8:12) ensure your light never goes out?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb uses light imagery to contrast the destinies of righteous and wicked. "The light of the righteous rejoiceth" depicts flourishing life. Or tsaddiqim yismach (אוֹר צַדִּיקִים יִשְׂמָח, the light of the righteous rejoices). Light symbolizes life, truth, blessing, and God's presence. The righteous person's light doesn't merely shine—it yismach (יִשְׂמָח, rejoices, is glad), suggesting vibrant, increasing illumination.
"But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out" announces doom. Ner resha'im yid'akh (נֵר רְשָׁעִים יִדְעָךְ, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished). While the righteous have or (אוֹר, light—sun, natural illumination), the wicked have only ner (נֵר, lamp—artificial, temporary). And even that flickers and dies. Extinguishment means death, judgment, and divine abandonment.
Throughout Scripture, light represents God's favor and life. Psalm 97:11 declares: "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." Job 18:5-6 warns: "The light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. The light shall be dark in his tabernacle." Jesus proclaimed Himself "the light of the world" (John 8:12), promising that followers would never walk in darkness. Believers are light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8), shining in dark places (Philippians 2:15). The wicked, rejecting Christ the Light, remain in darkness leading to outer darkness eternally (Matthew 8:12).