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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 29:16 When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/29-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/20_Pro_29_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 29:16 - The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall." /><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 righteous will see their downfall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/29.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/29.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/29.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked increase, wrongdoing increases; But the righteous will see their downfall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/29.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When the wicked increase, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/29.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When the wicked increase, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/29.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When the wicked increase, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/29.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, But the righteous will see the downfall of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/29.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked increase, rebellion increases, but the righteous will see their downfall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/29.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked increase, rebellion increases, but the righteous will see their downfall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/29.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth; But the righteous shall look upon their fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/29.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Crime increases when crooks are in power, but law-abiding citizens will see them fall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/29.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall look upon their fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/29.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When wicked people increase, crime increases, but righteous people will witness their downfall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/29.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When evil people are in power, crime increases. But the righteous will live to see the downfall of such people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/29.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As the wicked grow powerful, transgression increases, but the righteous will observe their downfall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/29.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/29.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will see their downfall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/29.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/29.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/29.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/29.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />In the multiplying of the wicked transgression multiplies, "" And the righteous look on their fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/29.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In the multiplying of the wicked transgression multiplieth, And the righteous on their fall do look.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/29.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In increasing the unjust, transgressions will increase: and the just all look upon their fall.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/29.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked are multiplied, crimes shall be multiplied: but the just shall see their downfall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/29.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />When the impious are multiplied, crimes will be multiplied. But the just shall see their ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/29.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked increase, crime increases; but the just will behold their downfall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/29.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/29.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous shall rejoice in their fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/29.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />In the abundance of the evil ones, evil increases, and the righteous will rejoice in their fall.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/29.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth; But the righteous shall gaze upon their fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/29.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />When the ungodly abound, sins abound: but when they fall, the righteous are warned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/29-16.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=6038" 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/29.htm">The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rə·šā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">When the wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: bir·ḇō·wṯ (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">thrive,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6588.htm" title="6588: pā·ša‘ (N-ms) -- Transgression. From pasha'; a revolt.">rebellion</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: yir·beh- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">increases;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: wə·ṣad·dî·qîm (Conj-w:: Adj-mp) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">but the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: yir·’ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">will see</a> <a href="/hebrew/4658.htm" title="4658: bə·map·pal·tām (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3mp) -- Carcass, ruin, an overthrow. From naphal; fall, i.e. Decadence; concretely, a ruin; specifically a carcase.">their downfall.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.…<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="/psalms/37-10.htm">Psalm 37:10-11</a></span><br />Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. / But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-35.htm">Psalm 37:35-36</a></span><br />I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, / yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-7.htm">Psalm 92:7</a></span><br />that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/94-3.htm">Psalm 94:3-4</a></span><br />How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked exult? / They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/94-23.htm">Psalm 94:23</a></span><br />He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The LORD our God will destroy them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:12-13</a></span><br />Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence. / Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-20.htm">Isaiah 57:20-21</a></span><br />But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck. / “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah 12:1-2</a></span><br />Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? / You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/4-1.htm">Malachi 4:1-3</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.” / “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall. / Then you will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing,” says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-41.htm">Matthew 13:41-43</a></span><br />The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. / And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. / Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a></span><br />For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52</a></span><br />He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-24.htm">Luke 6:24-25</a></span><br />But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. / Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-20.htm">Luke 12:20-21</a></span><br />But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ / This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases: but the righteous shall see their fall.</p><p class="hdg">the wicked</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Proverbs 29:2</a></b></br> When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-34.htm">Psalm 37:34,36</a></b></br> Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see <i>it</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/58-10.htm">Psalm 58:10</a></b></br> The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/91-8.htm">Psalm 91:8</a></b></br> Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-22.htm">Downfall</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-6.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-18.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-31.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Increases</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Increaseth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Multiplied</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Multiplieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Multiplying</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-7.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-6.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-2.htm">Thrive</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-6.htm">Transgression</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-10.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-12.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Wrongdoing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-4.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-19.htm">Downfall</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-27.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-23.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/songs/3-11.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-18.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-22.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-18.htm">Increases</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-18.htm">Increaseth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-11.htm">Multiplied</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-14.htm">Multiplieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-22.htm">Multiplying</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-2.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-27.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-22.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-10.htm">Thrive</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-22.htm">Transgression</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-27.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-27.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-11.htm">Wrongdoing</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 29</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">observations of public government</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">and of private</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/29-22.htm">Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice and corruption</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'; 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Biblically, this can be seen in various periods of Israel's history, such as during the reigns of kings who led the nation away from God (e.g., Ahab and Jezebel in <a href="/1_kings/16-30.htm">1 Kings 16:30-33</a>). The thriving of the wicked often leads to societal decay, as seen in the days of Noah (<a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a>) and Sodom and Gomorrah (<a href="/genesis/18-20.htm">Genesis 18:20-21</a>). Theologically, this reflects the fallen nature of the world, where sin can temporarily prosper.<p><b>rebellion increases</b><br>The increase of rebellion is a natural consequence of wickedness in power. This rebellion can be against God, societal norms, or authority. In biblical history, the Israelites often rebelled against God when led by corrupt leaders (<a href="/judges/2-11.htm">Judges 2:11-19</a>). This phrase also echoes the principle found in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a>, "Bad company corrupts good character," indicating that the influence of the wicked can lead others astray. The rebellion here can be seen as both a moral and spiritual decline.<p><b>but the righteous will see their downfall</b><br>This provides a promise of hope and justice. The righteous, those who live according to God's laws, will witness the eventual downfall of the wicked. This is a recurring theme in the Psalms, such as <a href="/psalms/37-34.htm">Psalm 37:34</a>, "Wait for the Lord and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it." It reflects the biblical assurance that God will ultimately judge and bring justice, as seen in the prophetic books like Isaiah and Revelation. This also points to the ultimate victory of Christ, who will defeat all evil (<a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11-21</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>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 corruption.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>Those who live according to God's commandments and seek to uphold justice and truth. They are often depicted as being in contrast to the wicked and are promised eventual vindication.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/rebellion.htm">Rebellion</a></b><br>This term signifies a state of moral and social disorder that arises when wickedness is prevalent. It implies a turning away from God's order and authority.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/downfall.htm">Downfall</a></b><br>The eventual collapse or defeat of the wicked, which is witnessed by the righteous. This term underscores the ultimate justice and sovereignty of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_temporary_prosperity_of_the_wicked.htm">The Temporary Prosperity of the Wicked</a></b><br>The apparent success of the wicked is temporary and often leads to increased rebellion and chaos. Believers should not be discouraged by the temporary triumphs of evil.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_divine_justice.htm">The Certainty of Divine Justice</a></b><br>God's justice is certain, and the righteous will witness the downfall of the wicked. This assurance should encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_righteous_living.htm">The Call to Righteous Living</a></b><br>In a world where wickedness may seem to thrive, Christians are called to live righteously, trusting in God's ultimate plan and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_patience_and_trust.htm">The Importance of Patience and Trust</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to be patient and trust in God's timing, knowing that He will bring about justice in His perfect time.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_29.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 29</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_temptation_has_overtaken_you.htm">Why are the wicked's prayers considered an abomination?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_not_rejoicing_in_an_enemy's_fall.htm">What does 'righteous man falls seven times' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_1's_justice_align_with_job.htm">How can Psalm 1's vision of immediate justice be reconciled with biblical accounts like Job, where the righteous suffer while the wicked seem to prosper?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_16_4_imply_god_created_evil.htm">Proverbs 16:4 states God made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for a day of disaster--doesn't this suggest a divine origin for evil, conflicting with the idea of a just and loving God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/29.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">But the righteous shall see their fall </span>with joy (<a href="/psalms/54-7.htm" title="For he has delivered me out of all trouble: and my eye has seen his desire on my enemies.">Psalm 54:7</a>), having long expected it (<span class= "ital">ibid, </span><a href="/psalms/73-18.htm" title="Surely you did set them in slippery places: you cast them down into destruction.">Psalm 73:18</a>, <span class= "ital">sqq.</span>)<span class= "ital">.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/29.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth.</span> The verb <span class="accented">rabah</span> is used in both parts of the sentence, and should have been so translated, <span class="accented">When the wicked increase</span>, <span class="accented">transgression increaseth</span>. Septuagint, "When the godless are many, sins become many." Where the wicked get the upper hand in a community, their evil example is copied, and a lowering of moral tone and a general laxity in conduct prevail (see on ver. 12: comp. also ver. 2; <a href="/proverbs/28-12.htm">Proverbs 28:12, 28</a>). <span class="cmt_word">But the righteous shall see their fall.</span> Retribution shall overtake them, and God's justice shall be vindicated. This the righteous shall witness, and shall rejoice in the vengeance, when his eye shall see its desire upon his enemies (<a href="/psalms/54-7.htm">Psalm 54:7</a>; see also <a href="/psalms/37-34.htm">Psalm 37:34</a>; <a href="/psalms/73-17.htm">Psalm 73:17</a>, etc.). Septuagint (punctuating differently), "But when they (the godless) fall, the righteous become fearful (<span class="greek">κατάφοβοι</span>);" they are awestruck at the sudden and grievous fall of sinners. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/29-16.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">When the wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">רְ֭שָׁעִים</span> <span class="translit">(rə·šā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">thrive,</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּרְב֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(bir·ḇō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rebellion</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּ֑שַׁע</span> <span class="translit">(pā·ša‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6588.htm">Strong's 6588: </a> </span><span class="str2">Transgression</span><br /><br /><span class="word">increases;</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְבֶּה־</span> <span class="translit">(yir·beh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝צַדִּיקִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṣad·dî·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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 see</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְאֽוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yir·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their downfall.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּֽמַפַּלְתָּ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·map·pal·tām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4658.htm">Strong's 4658: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fall, decadence, a ruin, a carcase</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/29-16.htm">Proverbs 29:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/29-16.htm">Proverbs 29:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/29-16.htm">Proverbs 29:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/29-16.htm">Proverbs 29:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/29-16.htm">Proverbs 29:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/29-16.htm">Proverbs 29:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/29-16.htm">Proverbs 29:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/29-16.htm">Proverbs 29:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/29-16.htm">Proverbs 29:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/29-16.htm">Proverbs 29:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/29-16.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:16 When the wicked increase sin increases (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 29:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 29:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/29-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 29:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 29:17" /></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>