Proverbs 16:29
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
חָ֭מָס
A violent
H2555
חָ֭מָס
A violent
Strong's:
H2555
Word #:
2 of 8
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
יְפַתֶּ֣ה
enticeth
H6601
יְפַתֶּ֣ה
enticeth
Strong's:
H6601
Word #:
3 of 8
to open, i.e., be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way)
וְ֝הוֹלִיכ֗וֹ
H1980
וְ֝הוֹלִיכ֗וֹ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
him into the way
H1870
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
him into the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
6 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Historical Context
Ancient societies experienced violence—warfare, blood feuds, oppression. Violent people recruited others into their schemes—raiding parties, conspiracies, gangs. Proverbs 1:10-19 warns against being enticed by sinners into violence. Israel's history included violent movements (Absalom's rebellion, Zimri's coup) that seduced followers into destruction. Jesus modeled nonviolent resistance (Matthew 5:38-42, 26:52). Christians embrace peace (Romans 12:18-21).
Questions for Reflection
- Are you being enticed by violent people or ideologies toward paths that are not good?
- How can you resist enticement toward violence, revenge, or injustice in thought, word, and deed?
- What does Jesus' model of nonviolent love teach about responding to violence and oppression?
Analysis & Commentary
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. Ish chamas yefat te re'ehu (אִישׁ חָמָס יְפַתֶּה רֵעֵהוּ, a man of violence entices his neighbor). Chamas (חָמָס, violence, wrong, cruelty) characterizes the wicked who patah (פָּתָה, entice, seduce, deceive) neighbors. Veholikho bederekh lo-tov (וְהוֹלִיכוֹ בְּדֶרֶךְ לֹא־טוֹב, and leads him in a way not good). The violent lead others astray into evil paths. The proverb warns against both being such people and being seduced by them. Paul warns: "Evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Believers must resist enticement to violence and injustice.