Proverbs 17:13
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
Original Language Analysis
מֵשִׁ֣יב
Whoso rewardeth
H7725
מֵשִׁ֣יב
Whoso rewardeth
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
3 of 8
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
טוֹבָ֑ה
for good
H2896
טוֹבָ֑ה
for good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
4 of 8
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תָמ֥יּשׁ
shall not depart
H4185
תָמ֥יּשׁ
shall not depart
Strong's:
H4185
Word #:
6 of 8
to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)
Cross References
Romans 12:17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.Psalms 35:12They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.1 Peter 3:9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.Psalms 38:20They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.1 Samuel 24:17And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.2 Samuel 12:10Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.Matthew 27:5And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.1 Thessalonians 5:15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Historical Context
Ancient honor cultures valued reciprocity—returning good for good, honoring benefactors. Repaying kindness with cruelty was among the worst offenses. Biblical examples include: Joseph's brothers repaying Jacob's love with selling Joseph (Genesis 37), Saul repaying David's service with murderous pursuit (1 Samuel 19-26), Judas betraying Jesus despite years of kindness (Matthew 26:47-50). Such ingratitude brought severe consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you ever repaid someone's goodness with evil, and what were the consequences?
- How does recognizing God's incredible goodness toward us in Christ motivate grateful, generous living?
- What does overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21) look like when others repay your kindness with wickedness?
Analysis & Commentary
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. Meshiv ra'ah tachat tovah (מֵשִׁיב רָעָה תַּחַת טוֹבָה, returning evil instead of good). Responding to kindness with wickedness is particularly heinous. Lo-tamush ra'ah mibeytho (לֹא־תָמוּשׁ רָעָה מִבֵּיתוֹ, evil will not depart from his house). Such ingratitude curses entire households. The proverb teaches that repaying good with evil invokes persistent divine judgment. Absalom's rebellion against David who showed him mercy brought death (2 Samuel 18). Nabal's churlishness toward David nearly destroyed his house (1 Samuel 25). Christians must overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).