Proverbs 16:5
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Original Language Analysis
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
is an abomination
H8441
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
is an abomination
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
יְ֭הוָה
to the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
to the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לֵ֑ב
in heart
H3820
לֵ֑ב
in heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
5 of 9
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
לְ֝יָ֗ד
join in hand
H3027
לְ֝יָ֗ד
join in hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
לְ֝יָ֗ד
join in hand
H3027
לְ֝יָ֗ד
join in hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Proverbs 11:21Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.Proverbs 8:13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.James 4:6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.Isaiah 3:11Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.Job 40:12Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.
Historical Context
Pride was the original sin—Satan's fall and humanity's fall both rooted in proud rebellion against God (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:17; Genesis 3:5). Throughout Israel's history, pride preceded judgment: Pharaoh's pride led to plagues, Nebuchadnezzar's pride to humiliation, Herod's pride to death by worms. God consistently opposes the proud while showing grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).
Questions for Reflection
- What forms of pride lurk in your heart, hidden from others but visible to God who examines the heart?
- How does the certainty of divine judgment against pride motivate you toward genuine humility?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse pronounces divine judgment on the proud: 'Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.' Pride of heart (gevah-lev) represents internal arrogance, not merely external display. God abhors it with the strong term 'abomination' (to'evah). The phrase 'though hand join in hand' likely means even if proud people form alliances or feel secure in numbers, they will not escape punishment. Some interpret it as a gesture of oath-taking or covenant-making—even formal agreements cannot protect the proud from God's judgment. This verse echoes 11:21 and establishes that pride will certainly face divine judgment.