Proverbs 21:27
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
Original Language Analysis
זֶ֣בַח
The sacrifice
H2077
זֶ֣בַח
The sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
רְ֭שָׁעִים
of the wicked
H7563
רְ֭שָׁעִים
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 7
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
תּוֹעֵבָ֑ה
is abomination
H8441
תּוֹעֵבָ֑ה
is abomination
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
אַ֝֗ף
H637
אַ֝֗ף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
4 of 7
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Isaiah 66:3He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.Proverbs 15:8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.Jeremiah 6:20To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.Matthew 23:13But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.Proverbs 28:9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Historical Context
Israel's prophets repeatedly condemned empty ritualism divorced from justice and heart obedience (Isaiah 1:10-17, Amos 5:21-24). God desires mercy, not sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you approach worship with a pure heart, or merely external compliance?
- How does understanding worship's acceptability only through Christ affect your approach to God?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked person's worship is inherently abominable to God—not merely imperfect but detestable. The second clause intensifies this: 'how much more' when worship is offered 'with a wicked mind'—hypocritically, manipulatively, or presumptuously. God looks at the heart, not external religious performance. The unregenerate person's best works are filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6); his worship is offensive. This destroys any notion of salvation by religious observance apart from regeneration. God desires truth in the inward parts; external compliance without heart transformation is worthless. Only through Christ can sinners offer acceptable worship. This should produce both humility (recognizing our unworthiness) and gratitude (marveling that Christ makes us acceptable).