Proverbs 29:24
Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
Original Language Analysis
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
2 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
his own soul
H5315
נַפְשׁ֑וֹ
his own soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
יִ֝שְׁמַ֗ע
he heareth
H8085
יִ֝שְׁמַ֗ע
he heareth
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
7 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Cross References
Leviticus 5:1And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.Proverbs 8:36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.Isaiah 1:23Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.Proverbs 15:32He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Historical Context
Mosaic law required witnesses to come forward (Leviticus 5:1). Concealing knowledge of crime made one liable. Ancient Israel's communal justice system depended on truthful testimony. Achan's theft brought judgment on Israel until exposed (Joshua 7). New Testament parallels: Ananias and Sapphira's conspiracy (Acts 5), Paul's warning against partaking in others' sins (1 Timothy 5:22).
Questions for Reflection
- Are there situations where your silence or complicity enables wrongdoing?
- How do you balance loyalty to others with the responsibility to expose truth?
- What does it mean to 'hate your own soul' through self-destructive associations or choices?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul—The choleq im ganav (one who shares with a thief) becomes complicit in crime. Though not the primary perpetrator, the accomplice bears guilt. The verdict is self-destructive: he hateth his own soul (sone nafsho)—his actions work against his own welfare.
The specific scenario follows: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not. Under oath (alah, the curse invoked for false testimony per Leviticus 5:1), he hears demands to testify but bewrayeth it not (lo yaggid, does not declare, reveal). Fear of retaliation silences him, but silence makes him guilty. His complicity—whether through active partnership or passive concealment—destroys him.