Proverbs 13:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Proverbs 13:21
21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Chapter Context
Proverbs 13 is a wisdom sayings chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, holiness, judgment. Written during primarily Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature was common in royal courts for training officials.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Proverbs and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Proverbs 13:21
21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Analysis
This proverb establishes the moral principle of retributive justice. "Evil pursueth sinners" pictures sin's consequences actively chasing wrongdoers. Chatta'im terad'ef ra'ah (חַטָּאִים תְּרַדֵּף רָעָה, sinners—evil pursues). Radaf (רָדַף, pursue, chase, persecute) suggests relentless hunting. Evil doesn't just happen to sinners—it hunts them down like prey.
"But to the righteous good shall be repayed" promises divine recompense. Ve'et-tsaddiqim yeshallем-tov (וְאֶת־צַדִּיקִים יְשַׁלֵּם־טוֹב, but the righteous—good will be repaid). Shalam (שָׁלַם, repay, recompense, restore, make peace) indicates full payment. God ensures the righteous receive tov (טוֹב, good, welfare, prosperity).
This principle reflects God's moral governance. Sin carries built-in consequences that pursue perpetrators. Numbers 32:23 warns: "Be sure your sin will find you out." Galatians 6:7 teaches: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Evil pursued Haman (Esther 7:10), Ahab (1 Kings 22:37-38), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). Conversely, God repays the righteous—sometimes temporally, always eternally. While believers face trials, Romans 8:28 promises all things work together for good. Christ's atonement broke sin's pursuit, and God will fully repay believers with eternal glory (2 Timothy 4:8, 1 Peter 5:4).
Historical Context
Israel's history demonstrated this principle. National sin brought Assyrian and Babylonian conquest—evil pursued them. Individual examples include Achan (Joshua 7), Gehazi (2 Kings 5:27), and Ananias/Sapphira (Acts 5). Conversely, righteous figures like Joseph, Daniel, and Mordecai experienced divine recompense. The covenant promised blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28), validating this proverb's truth.
Reflection
- Have you experienced sin's consequences 'pursuing' you through guilt, broken relationships, or other natural results?
- How does understanding that God will repay the righteous provide comfort when facing present injustice or suffering?
- In what ways has God already begun repaying you with good as a believer, and what ultimate repayment awaits at Christ's return?
Word Studies
- Righteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik) H6662 - Righteous one
Cross-References
- Evil: Psalms 32:10, 140:11
- Sin: Genesis 4:7, Numbers 32:23
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 13:13, Acts 28:4