Proverbs 17:26
Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
Original Language Analysis
גַּ֤ם
H1571
גַּ֤ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
עֲנ֣וֹשׁ
Also to punish
H6064
עֲנ֣וֹשׁ
Also to punish
Strong's:
H6064
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to urge; by implication, to inflict a penalty, specifically, to fine
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ט֑וֹב
is not good
H2896
ט֑וֹב
is not good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
5 of 9
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
לְהַכּ֖וֹת
nor to strike
H5221
לְהַכּ֖וֹת
nor to strike
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
6 of 9
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
נְדִיבִ֣ים
princes
H5081
נְדִיבִ֣ים
princes
Strong's:
H5081
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
Historical Context
Throughout history, righteous people faced unjust punishment. Prophets were imprisoned or killed for truth-telling (Jeremiah 20:1-2, 37:15, Matthew 23:29-31). John the Baptist was beheaded for confronting Herod (Matthew 14:3-12). Jesus was crucified though Pilate found no fault (Luke 23:13-15). Early Christians faced persecution for righteousness (Acts 4:1-3, 5:17-18). This proverb condemns such injustice, promising divine vindication for the unjustly punished.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you ever punished or criticized someone for doing what is right?
- How should Christians respond when punished unjustly for righteousness (1 Peter 2:19-23, 4:12-16)?
- In what ways does Christ's unjust punishment secure our justification and empower patient endurance of persecution?
Analysis & Commentary
Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. Punishing the righteous (tsaddiq, צַדִּיק) is wrong—lo-tov (לֹא־טוֹב, not good). Striking (hakkot, הַכּוֹת, to strike, smite, beat) nobles (nedivim, נְדִיבִים, princes, nobles, generous ones) for (al, עַל, on account of, because of) yosher (יֹשֶׁר, uprightness, equity) is equally wrong. This proverb condemns perverting justice by punishing good people. Whether targeting the righteous generally or nobles specifically for doing right, both are condemned. God judges such injustice severely. Christ endured ultimate injustice—punished though perfectly righteous (1 Peter 2:22-23).