Proverbs 14:19
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
Original Language Analysis
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
טוֹבִ֑ים
the good
H2896
טוֹבִ֑ים
the good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
4 of 8
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וּ֝רְשָׁעִ֗ים
and the wicked
H7563
וּ֝רְשָׁעִ֗ים
and the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
5 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Genesis 42:6And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.Malachi 4:3And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.Revelation 3:9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.Isaiah 60:14The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.Exodus 8:8Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture portrayed enemies bowing before victors. Gates were where elders judged, conducted business, and exercised authority. This proverb promises role reversal—the wicked who now oppress will someday bow at righteous people's gates seeking mercy. Biblical examples include Joseph's brothers (Genesis 42:6), Mordecai honored while Haman fell (Esther 6-7), and eschatological visions of enemies becoming footstools (Psalm 110:1).
Questions for Reflection
- How does this promise comfort you when facing present injustice or oppression from the wicked?
- In what sense will evil bow before good both in this life and in final judgment?
- How should anticipating this reversal affect how you treat enemies now (Romans 12:19-21)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. This proverb envisions ultimate vindication of righteousness. Shachukhu ra'im lifney tovim (שַׁחוּ רָעִים לִפְנֵי טוֹבִים, the evil bow before the good). Shachah (שָׁחָה, bow down, prostrate, worship) indicates submission and honor. Uresh'aim al-sha'arey tsaddiq (וּרְשָׁעִים עַל־שַׁעֲרֵי צַדִּיק, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous). City gates represented judgment seats and places of honor. The wicked stand humbly at righteous people's gates, seeking favor. Though not always visible in this age, God's justice ensures evil ultimately bows before good.