Proverbs 17:15
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
מַצְדִּ֣יק
He that justifieth
H6663
מַצְדִּ֣יק
He that justifieth
Strong's:
H6663
Word #:
1 of 8
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
רָ֭שָׁע
the wicked
H7563
רָ֭שָׁע
the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
וּמַרְשִׁ֣יעַ
and he that condemneth
H7561
וּמַרְשִׁ֣יעַ
and he that condemneth
Strong's:
H7561
Word #:
3 of 8
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
תּוֹעֲבַ֥ת
are abomination
H8441
תּוֹעֲבַ֥ת
are abomination
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
to the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
to the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Exodus 23:7Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.Isaiah 5:23Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!Proverbs 18:5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.Proverbs 15:8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.Amos 6:12Shall horses run upon the rock? will one plow there with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:Proverbs 6:16These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:Romans 4:5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.James 5:6Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.Amos 5:12For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.Amos 5:7Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,
Historical Context
Ancient legal systems depended on judges' integrity. Corrupt judges took bribes to acquit guilty rich people while condemning innocent poor people (Exodus 23:6-8, Isaiah 5:23, Amos 5:12). This double injustice destroyed communities and provoked divine judgment. Jehoshaphat reformed Judah's courts, commanding judges to fear God (2 Chronicles 19:4-7). Jesus faced both injustices—justified Barabbas, condemned Himself. His cross exposes and resolves justice issues.
Questions for Reflection
- In what contexts might you be guilty of justifying wickedness (excusing sin, rationalizing evil)?
- How might you condemn the just (judging righteous people harshly, criticizing godliness)?
- How does the cross satisfy God's justice while justifying the wicked who trust Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. Both injustices—acquitting guilty and condemning innocent—are equally abominable (to'evat YHVH, תּוֹעֲבַת יְהוָה) to God. This proverb establishes God's passion for justice. He abhors both types of perversion. Modern examples: exonerating criminals through corruption or convicting innocent through prejudice. The gospel addresses both—Christ, the Just One, was condemned (1 Peter 3:18) so the wicked justified through faith might be declared righteous (Romans 4:5). Only God's justice satisfies both requirements perfectly.