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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 11:21 Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/11-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/20_Pro_11_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 11:21 - Dishonest Scales" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be assured, the evil person will not go unpunished, But the descendants of the righteous will be rescued.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the seed of the righteous will escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished, But the descendants of the righteous will be freed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be assured that a wicked person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Though hand join in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished; But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You can be sure of this: All crooks will be punished, but God's people won't. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Though hand join in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Certainly, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the descendants of righteous people will escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You can be sure that evil people will be punished, but the righteous will escape. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Be sure of this: the wicked will not go unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous will go free.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Be assured that the evil person will certainly be punished, but the descendants of the righteous will not suffer unjust judgment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous will be delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Hand to hand, the wicked is not acquitted, "" And the seed of the righteous has escaped.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Hand to hand, the wicked is not acquitted, And the seed of the righteous hath escaped.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Hand to hand, the evil one shall not be unpunished: and the seed of the just were delivered.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Hand in hand the evil man shall not be innocent: but the seed of the just shall be saved. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Hand in hand, the evil shall not be innocent. But the offspring of the just shall be saved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Be assured, the wicked shall not go unpunished, but the offspring of the just shall escape. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Be assured, the wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will escape.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who stretches out his hand against his neighbor shall not go unpunished: but the offspring of the righteous shall be delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that stretches his hand against his neighbor will not be innocent of evil, and the seed of the righteous will be delivered.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />My hand upon it! the evil man shall not be unpunished; But the seed of the righteous shall escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that unjustly strikes hands shall not be unpunished: but he that sows righteousness he shall receive a faithful reward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/11-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2055" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm">Dishonest Scales</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yāḏ (N-fs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">Be assured</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: lə·yāḏ (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">that the wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5352.htm" title="5352: yin·nā·qeh (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be empty or clean. A primitive root; to be clean; by implication to be bare, i.e. Extirpated.">go unpunished,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2233.htm" title="2233: wə·ze·ra‘ (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A sowing, seed, offspring. From zara'; seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity.">but the offspring</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dî·qîm (Adj-mp) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">of the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/4422.htm" title="4422: nim·lāṭ (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. to escape; causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks.">will escape.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-11.htm">Isaiah 3:11</a></span><br />Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/1-3.htm">Nahum 1:3</a></span><br />The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7</a></span><br />Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-28.htm">Psalm 37:28</a></span><br />For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-38.htm">Psalm 37:38</a></span><br />But the transgressors will all be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/21-30.htm">Job 21:30</a></span><br />Indeed, the evil man is spared from the day of calamity, delivered from the day of wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/13-11.htm">Isaiah 13:11</a></span><br />I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/25-31.htm">Jeremiah 25:31</a></span><br />The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20</a></span><br />The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/4-1.htm">Malachi 4:1</a></span><br />“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-18.htm">Romans 1:18</a></span><br />The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-8.htm">Romans 2:8-9</a></span><br />But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. / There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a></span><br />For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-6.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:6-9</a></span><br />After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, / and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels / in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.</p><p class="hdg">hand</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Proverbs 16:5</a></b></br> Every one <i>that is</i> proud in heart <i>is</i> an abomination to the LORD: <i>though</i> hand <i>join</i> in hand, he shall not be unpunished.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">Exodus 23:2</a></b></br> Thou shalt not follow a multitude to <i>do</i> evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest <i>judgment</i>:</p><p class="hdg">the seed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-22.htm">Proverbs 13:22</a></b></br> A good <i>man</i> leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner <i>is</i> laid up for the just.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/17-7.htm">Genesis 17:7,8</a></b></br> And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-26.htm">Psalm 37:26</a></b></br> <i>He is</i> ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed <i>is</i> blessed.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/19-13.htm">Acquitted</a> <a href="/job/36-4.htm">Assured</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-30.htm">Assuredly</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-9.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/psalms/132-11.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-9.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/psalms/124-7.htm">Escaped</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-19.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-11.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-29.htm">Free</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-14.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-22.htm">Held</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-29.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/psalms/118-27.htm">Join</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-16.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-19.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-29.htm">Unpunished</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Acquitted</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Assured</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Assuredly</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-18.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-20.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-13.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/isaiah/4-2.htm">Escaped</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-27.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-23.htm">Evil-Doer</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Free</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-14.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-13.htm">Held</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-2.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Join</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-23.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-3.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Seed</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Sure</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Unpunished</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-23.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-23.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/11-1.htm">On Deception</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the certainty of divine justice. Throughout the Bible, God's justice is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/37-28.htm">Psalm 37:28</a>, which states that the Lord loves justice and will not forsake His saints. The assurance here is rooted in the character of God, who is holy and just. Historically, the Israelites understood this through the Law given to Moses, which outlined consequences for sin. The phrase also reflects the prophetic warnings found in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, where the prophets declared that nations and individuals who acted wickedly would face God's judgment. This assurance serves as a moral compass, reminding believers that while human justice may fail, divine justice is inevitable.<p><b>but the offspring of the righteous will escape</b><br>This part of the verse highlights the blessings and protection afforded to the descendants of those who live righteously. In biblical context, righteousness is often associated with faithfulness to God's commandments and a life lived in accordance with His will. The promise of escape or deliverance for the offspring of the righteous can be seen in the covenantal blessings promised to Abraham and his descendants (<a href="/genesis/17-7.htm">Genesis 17:7</a>). This reflects a broader biblical principle that God's favor and protection extend to the families of those who are faithful to Him. Culturally, this would resonate with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of family and legacy, where the actions of one generation could impact the next. This promise also points to the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of righteousness and offers salvation to all who believe, thus ensuring spiritual escape from eternal punishment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>This term refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws and principles. In the context of Proverbs, the wicked are often contrasted with the righteous, highlighting their moral and spiritual failings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>These are individuals who live in accordance with God's will, striving to follow His commandments and live a life of integrity and faithfulness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_offspring.htm">The Offspring</a></b><br>This term can be understood both literally, as the children of the righteous, and metaphorically, as the results or fruits of a righteous life.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/punishment.htm">Punishment</a></b><br>In the biblical context, punishment is often seen as a consequence of sin and disobedience to God. It serves as a form of divine justice.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/escape.htm">Escape</a></b><br>This refers to the deliverance or protection that the righteous and their offspring receive from God, contrasting with the fate of the wicked.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_justice_is_certain.htm">Divine Justice is Certain</a></b><br>God's justice is assured, and the wicked will face consequences for their actions. This should encourage believers to trust in God's timing and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_legacy_of_righteousness.htm">The Legacy of Righteousness</a></b><br>The righteous leave a legacy that benefits their offspring. This encourages believers to live righteously, knowing it impacts future generations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_protection_for_the_righteous.htm">God's Protection for the Righteous</a></b><br>The promise of escape for the righteous and their offspring highlights God's protective nature. Believers can find comfort in God's provision and care.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_righteous_living.htm">The Importance of Righteous Living</a></b><br>Living a righteous life is not only about personal salvation but also about influencing and protecting those around us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contrast_between_wickedness_and_righteousness.htm">Contrast Between Wickedness and Righteousness</a></b><br>This verse serves as a reminder of the stark contrast between the outcomes of wickedness and righteousness, urging believers to choose the path of righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_justice_shown_if_evil_rulers_die_peacefully.htm">Proverbs 11:21 asserts the wicked will not go unpunished—what evidence shows consistent justice in history, given many evil rulers died peacefully? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_wrongdoing_always_have_consequences.htm">Does wrongdoing inevitably lead to consequences?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_evil_prosper_and_good_suffer.htm">If God punishes sin, why do evil people often prosper while good people suffer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_the_wicked_prosper_in_divine_justice.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:12–13 implies that the wicked might sometimes prosper; how does that align with other biblical promises of divine justice? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">Though hand join in hand.--</span>For this sense comp. <a href="/isaiah/28-15.htm" title="Because you have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing whip shall pass through, it shall not come to us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:">Isaiah 28:15</a>, <span class= "ital">sqq. </span>The passage may also mean "hand to hand," <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>from one generation to another; or, what is most probable, "the hand to it," <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>assuredly. For the general sense of the verse, comp. Psalms 37<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - Though <span class="cmt_word">hand</span> join <span class="cmt_word">in hand</span> (<a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Proverbs 16:5</a>); literally, <span class="accented">hand to hand</span>, which may be taken variously. The Septuagint and some other versions take the phrase in the sense of unjust violence: "He who layeth hand upon hand unjustly;" Vulgate, <span class="accented">manus in manu</span>, "hand in hand," which is as enigmatical as the Hebrew. Some Jewish interpreters consider it an adverbial expression, signifying simply "soon." Some moderns take it to mean "sooner or later," as the Italian <span class="accented">da</span> <span class="accented">mano in mano</span>, or, in succession of one generation after another (Gesenius, Wordsworth). Others deem it a form of adjuration, equivalent to "I hereby attest, my hand upon it!" And this seems the most probable interpretation; assuredly the Divine justice shall be satisfied by the punishment of the wicked (comp. <a href="/psalms/37.htm">Psalm 37</a>.). The Authorized Version gives a very good sense: "Though hands be plighted in faith, and men may associate together in evil, the wicked shall not go unpunished" (comp. <a href="/isaiah/28-15.htm">Isaiah 28:15</a>). St. Gregory ('Mor. in Job,' lib. 25.) takes a very different view: "Hand in hand the wicked shall not be innocent;" for hand is wont to he joined with hand when it rests at ease, and no laborious employment exercises it. As though he were saying, "Even when the hand rests from sinful deeds, yet the wicked, by reason of his thoughts, is not innocent" (Oxford transl.). This exposition is, of course, divorced from the context. <span class="cmt_word">The seed of the righteous.</span> This is not "the posterity of the righteous," but is a periphrasis for "the righteous," as in <a href="/psalms/24-6.htm">Psalm 24:6</a>; <a href="/psalms/112-2.htm">Psalm 112:2</a>, "the generation of the righteous" (comp. <a href="/isaiah/65-23.htm">Isaiah 65:23</a>). The climax which some see here - as if the author intended to say, "Not only the good themselves, but their descendants also shall be delivered" - is non-existent and unnecessary. Septuagint, "But he that soweth righteousness shall receive a sure reward," which is another rendering of the second member of ver. 18. <span class="cmt_word">Shall</span> <span class="cmt_word">be delivered</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> in the time of God's wrath (vers. 4, 23; <a href="/proverbs/2-22.htm">Proverbs 2:22</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/11-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Be assured</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(yāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that the wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רָּ֑ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go unpunished,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִנָּ֣קֶה</span> <span class="translit">(yin·nā·qeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5352.htm">Strong's 5352: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the offspring</span><br /><span class="heb">וְזֶ֖רַע</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ze·ra‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2233.htm">Strong's 2233: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">צַדִּיקִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dî·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will escape.</span><br /><span class="heb">נִמְלָֽט׃</span> <span class="translit">(nim·lāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4422.htm">Strong's 4422: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/11-21.htm">Proverbs 11:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/11-21.htm">Proverbs 11:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/11-21.htm">Proverbs 11:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11-21.htm">Proverbs 11:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/11-21.htm">Proverbs 11:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/11-21.htm">Proverbs 11:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/11-21.htm">Proverbs 11:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/11-21.htm">Proverbs 11:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/11-21.htm">Proverbs 11:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/11-21.htm">Proverbs 11:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/11-21.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:21 Most certainly the evil man will not (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 11:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/11-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 11:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>