Proverbs 26:27

Authorized King James Version

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Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

Original Language Analysis

כֹּֽרֶה Whoso diggeth H3738
כֹּֽרֶה Whoso diggeth
Strong's: H3738
Word #: 1 of 8
properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open
שַּׁ֭חַת a pit H7845
שַּׁ֭חַת a pit
Strong's: H7845
Word #: 2 of 8
a pit (especially as a trap); figuratively, destruction
בָּ֣הּ H0
בָּ֣הּ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 3 of 8
יִפֹּ֑ל shall fall H5307
יִפֹּ֑ל shall fall
Strong's: H5307
Word #: 4 of 8
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
וְג֥וֹלֵֽל therein and he that rolleth H1556
וְג֥וֹלֵֽל therein and he that rolleth
Strong's: H1556
Word #: 5 of 8
to roll (literally or figuratively)
אֶ֝בֶן a stone H68
אֶ֝בֶן a stone
Strong's: H68
Word #: 6 of 8
a stone
אֵלָ֥יו H413
אֵלָ֥יו
Strong's: H413
Word #: 7 of 8
near, with or among; often in general, to
תָּשֽׁוּב׃ it will return H7725
תָּשֽׁוּב׃ it will return
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 8 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

Analysis & Commentary

Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; whoever rolls a stone, it will return on him. The Hebrew 'karah' (dig) and 'galal' (roll) describe self-defeating plots. Trap meant for others ensnares trapper; stone pushed onto others rolls back. Evil schemes backfire on schemers. This promises justice - those plotting others' destruction ultimately destroy themselves. Psalm 7:15-16 teaches: 'He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.'

Historical Context

Biblical history illustrates this repeatedly. Haman built gallows for Mordecai, was hanged on them himself (Esther 7:9-10). Daniel's accusers threw him in lions' den; they and their families were thrown in instead (Daniel 6:24). Jesus taught: 'With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again' (Matthew 7:2). This principle - reaping what you sow - pervades Scripture. Galatians 6:7: 'Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.'

Questions for Reflection