Proverbs 29:13
The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
וְאִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
נִפְגָּ֑שׁוּ
meet together
H6298
נִפְגָּ֑שׁוּ
meet together
Strong's:
H6298
Word #:
4 of 8
to come in contact with, whether by accident or violence; figuratively, to concur
מֵ֤אִיר
lighteneth
H215
מֵ֤אִיר
lighteneth
Strong's:
H215
Word #:
5 of 8
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
Cross References
Matthew 5:45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.Proverbs 22:2The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.Psalms 13:3Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;Ephesians 2:1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Historical Context
Ancient societies had stark class divisions. The poor were often exploited by the powerful. Yet Israel's theology insisted on YHWH's sovereignty over all, rich and poor. Job wrestled with this same tension (Job 24:1-12). The wisdom tradition held together both God's providential care for all and coming judgment for oppression.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's impartial provision of 'light' (life, reason, opportunity) increase both the privilege and accountability of the powerful?
- What does it mean that God 'lightens the eyes' of both victim and oppressor—how should this shape our view of justice?
- How do you respond to the tension between God's common grace to all and His special concern for the oppressed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The poor and the deceitful man meet together (רָשׁ וְאִישׁ תְּכָכִים נִפְגָּשׁוּ)—the impoverished (rash) and the oppressor (ish tekhakim, man of oppressions/extortions) meet or encounter each other. Both exist in the same world, with vastly different power. Yet the LORD lighteneth both their eyes (מֵאִיר־עֵינֵי שְׁנֵיהֶם יְהוָה)—YHWH gives light to the eyes of both.
This stunning statement affirms God's common grace and providence over all humanity regardless of moral character or economic status. The same sun rises on just and unjust (Matthew 5:45). Yet it also implies accountability: both see by God's light, both are responsible for what they do with God-given life. The oppressor cannot claim ignorance; the poor cannot claim abandonment. This prepares for final judgment where God's impartial light exposes all.