Proverbs 24:12
If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵדָ֑ע
Behold we knew
H3045
יֵדָ֑ע
Behold we knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
הֲֽלֹא
H3808
הֲֽלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֹ֘כֵ֤ן
it not doth not he that pondereth
H8505
תֹ֘כֵ֤ן
it not doth not he that pondereth
Strong's:
H8505
Word #:
8 of 18
to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)
הֽוּא
H1931
הֽוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 18
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יָבִ֗ין
consider
H995
יָבִ֗ין
consider
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
11 of 18
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
וְנֹצֵ֣ר
it and he that keepeth
H5341
וְנֹצֵ֣ר
it and he that keepeth
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
12 of 18
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
נַ֭פְשְׁךָ
thy soul
H5315
נַ֭פְשְׁךָ
thy soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
14 of 18
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יֵדָ֑ע
Behold we knew
H3045
יֵדָ֑ע
Behold we knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
15 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וְהֵשִׁ֖יב
it and shall not he render
H7725
וְהֵשִׁ֖יב
it and shall not he render
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
16 of 18
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
Job 34:11For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.Proverbs 21:2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.Romans 2:6Who will render to every man according to his deeds:Psalms 121:8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.Psalms 121:3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.Jeremiah 17:10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.Ecclesiastes 5:8If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.Psalms 62:12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Historical Context
Israel would be judged for oppressing the poor, widows, and orphans. Claims of ignorance didn't excuse covenant violations. God held His people accountable for justice.
Questions for Reflection
- What needs or injustices are you aware of that you're pretending not to see?
- How does knowing God 'considereth the heart' affect your response to others' dangers?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse confronts the excuse 'We knew it not' for failing to help the endangered (v. 11). You cannot plead ignorance before God, who 'considereth the heart' and 'knoweth it.' He who 'keepeth thy soul' sees everything; He who 'rendereth to every man according to his works' will judge your inaction. This emphasizes both divine omniscience (God knows what we truly knew) and accountability (we will answer for failure to help). Willful ignorance doesn't excuse; God judges both what we knew and what we should have known. Closing eyes to injustice doesn't eliminate responsibility. This should motivate vigilance regarding others' needs and readiness to intervene. God will require an account of our stewardship, including how we treated vulnerable neighbors.