Proverbs 14:32
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
Original Language Analysis
בְּֽ֭רָעָתוֹ
in his wickedness
H7451
בְּֽ֭רָעָתוֹ
in his wickedness
Strong's:
H7451
Word #:
1 of 6
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
רָשָׁ֑ע
The wicked
H7563
רָשָׁ֑ע
The wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
3 of 6
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
וְחֹסֶ֖ה
hath hope
H2620
וְחֹסֶ֖ה
hath hope
Strong's:
H2620
Word #:
4 of 6
to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in
Cross References
Psalms 23:4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.2 Corinthians 5:8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.2 Timothy 4:18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Revelation 14:13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.Genesis 49:18I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.Psalms 37:37Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.Job 13:15Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.Proverbs 24:16For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.2 Corinthians 1:9But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
Historical Context
Old Testament saints had growing understanding of life after death. Job declared: "I know that my redeemer liveth" (Job 19:25). David trusted God wouldn't leave his soul in Sheol (Psalm 16:10). Daniel prophesied resurrection (Daniel 12:2). This proverb affirms differing destinies. Jesus' resurrection illuminated these truths—believers have living hope (1 Peter 1:3), while the wicked face fearful judgment (Hebrews 10:27).
Questions for Reflection
- Does the thought of death bring hope or fear, and what does your answer reveal about your relationship with God?
- How does Christ's death and resurrection transform death from enemy to doorway for believers?
- In what ways should hope in death affect how you live now?
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Analysis & Commentary
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. Beraato yiddacheh rasha (בְּרָעָתוֹ יִדַּחֶה רָשָׁע, in his evil the wicked is driven away). Dadach (דָּדַח, drive away, thrust out) suggests violent expulsion. At death, the wicked are thrust into judgment with no hope. Vechosehvemoto tsaddiq (וְחֹסֶה בְמוֹתוֹ צַדִּיק, but the righteous has refuge in his death). Chasah (חָסָה, take refuge, trust) indicates confident hope. Death is the righteous person's doorway to God's presence. This proverb provides ultimate comfort—death is gain for believers (Philippians 1:21) but terror for the wicked.