Proverbs 21:18
The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֣פֶר
shall be a ransom
H3724
כֹּ֣פֶר
shall be a ransom
Strong's:
H3724
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, a cover, i.e., (literally) a village (as covered in)
רָשָׁ֑ע
The wicked
H7563
רָשָׁ֑ע
The wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
3 of 6
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
וְתַ֖חַת
H8478
וְתַ֖חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
4 of 6
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
Historical Context
Israel's history shows repeated instances of enemies destroyed while Israel delivered—Egypt's army, Assyrian siege lifted, Haman's plot reversed. God judges those who touch His anointed.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you trust God to deliver you from those who plot evil against you?
- How does this principle ultimately point to Christ as the righteous ransom for the wicked?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked serves as 'ransom for the righteous'—taking the judgment the righteous might have suffered. This principle appears throughout Scripture: Haman hanged on the gallows prepared for Mordecai; Babylon judged while Israel delivered. God providentially arranges circumstances so the wicked receive the consequences intended for the righteous, delivering His people through the enemy's destruction. The ultimate fulfillment is Christ, the Righteous One, serving as ransom for sinners (though this verse speaks of wicked ransoming righteous, the archetype reversal points to Christ). God's justice ensures the wicked don't prosper indefinitely; their plots against the righteous rebound upon themselves. This comforts persecuted believers: God will vindicate and deliver.