Proverbs 16:4
The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֤ל
H3605
כֹּ֤ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
פָּעַ֣ל
hath made
H6466
פָּעַ֣ל
hath made
Strong's:
H6466
Word #:
2 of 8
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַֽמַּעֲנֵ֑הוּ
all things for himself
H4617
לַֽמַּעֲנֵ֑הוּ
all things for himself
Strong's:
H4617
Word #:
4 of 8
a reply (favorable or contradictory)
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
רָ֝שָׁ֗ע
yea even the wicked
H7563
רָ֝שָׁ֗ע
yea even the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
6 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
Cross References
2 Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:Romans 9:22What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:Isaiah 43:21This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.Isaiah 43:7Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.1 Peter 2:8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.Job 21:30That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.Romans 11:36For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.Revelation 4:11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Historical Context
Pharaoh's hardening (Exodus 9:16) exemplifies God raising up the wicked to demonstrate His power. Paul uses this in Romans 9:17-22 to expound divine sovereignty in salvation and judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's absolute sovereignty comfort you amid evil's prevalence?
- What does it mean that God made all things ultimately for His own glory?
Analysis & Commentary
The LORD made all things for Himself, including the wicked for judgment day. This asserts God's absolute sovereignty and right to glorify Himself through all creation. Even evil serves God's purposes, though He is not its author. The wicked's judgment displays God's justice, vindicating His holiness.