Proverbs 15:9
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
is an abomination
H8441
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
is an abomination
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
יְ֭הוָה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
The way
H1870
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
The way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
רָשָׁ֑ע
of the wicked
H7563
רָשָׁ֑ע
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
4 of 7
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
וּמְרַדֵּ֖ף
him that followeth
H7291
וּמְרַדֵּ֖ף
him that followeth
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
5 of 7
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
Cross References
1 Timothy 6:11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.Proverbs 21:21He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.Jeremiah 44:4Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.Matthew 7:13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Habakkuk 1:13Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?Hosea 6:3Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
Historical Context
Covenant theology emphasized God's hatred of wickedness and love for righteousness. Malachi 1:2-3 declares God loved Jacob but hated Esau (based on covenant faithfulness). Psalm 5:5 states God hates workers of iniquity. Yet He demonstrated love toward sinners through Christ (Romans 5:8). Believers must pursue righteousness, knowing God loves this path while abhorring wickedness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God finds wickedness abominable and loves righteousness affect your daily choices?
- In what areas might you be walking in paths God finds abominable rather than pursuing righteousness?
- How does Christ's righteousness imputed to believers secure God's love while motivating pursuit of practical holiness?
Analysis & Commentary
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. To'avat YHVH derekh rasha (תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה דֶּרֶךְ רָשָׁע, an abomination to the LORD is the way of the wicked). To'evah (תּוֹעֲבָה, abomination, disgusting thing) expresses God's intense revulsion toward wicked paths. Umeraddef tsedaqah ye'ehav (וּמְרַדֵּף צְדָקָה יֶאֱהָב, but one pursuing righteousness He loves). God actively loves (ahav, אָהַב) those pursuing (radaf, רָדַף, chase, hunt, follow after) righteousness. The contrast is absolute—God's disposition toward lifestyles, not just isolated acts.