Proverbs 29:27
An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Original Language Analysis
וְתוֹעֲבַ֖ת
is abomination
H8441
וְתוֹעֲבַ֖ת
is abomination
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
אִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 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)
וְתוֹעֲבַ֖ת
is abomination
H8441
וְתוֹעֲבַ֖ת
is abomination
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
רָשָׁ֣ע
to the wicked
H7563
רָשָׁ֣ע
to the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
6 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
Cross References
1 John 3:13Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.Psalms 139:21Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?John 15:23He that hateth me hateth my Father also.John 7:7The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
Historical Context
This proverb concludes Solomon's collection (Proverbs 10-29), summarizing the ethical dualism pervading the book: two ways, two destinies, two communities with irreconcilable values. Israel's history demonstrated this tension: prophets versus false prophets, faithful remnant versus idolatrous majority. The church inherits this conflict: 'All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution' (2 Timothy 3:12).
Questions for Reflection
- Does injustice provoke 'abomination' in you—or have you become desensitized to evil?
- How should Christians maintain moral clarity while loving enemies and praying for persecutors?
- Where do you experience the wicked's 'abomination' toward your uprightness—and how do you respond?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
An unjust man is an abomination to the just (תּוֹעֲבַת צַדִּיקִים אִישׁ עָוֶל, to'avat tzaddiqim ish avel)—תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah, 'abomination, detestable thing, object of loathing') describes how צַדִּיק (tzaddiq, 'righteous') regard אִישׁ עָוֶל (ish avel, 'man of injustice, perverse man'). Righteousness hates evil (Psalm 97:10, Romans 12:9). The righteous cannot be indifferent to injustice—it provokes moral revulsion.
And he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked (וְתוֹעֲבַת רָשָׁע יְשַׁר־דָּרֶךְ, veto'avat rasha yeshar-derekh)—reciprocally, the יָשָׁר דֶּרֶךְ (yashar derekh, 'upright in way, straight of path') is תּוֹעֵבָה to the רָשָׁע (rasha, 'wicked'). Moral opposites produce mutual abhorrence. Jesus: 'If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you' (John 15:18). Light and darkness cannot have fellowship (2 Corinthians 6:14).