Proverbs 29 · Verse 16

Proverbs 29:16

When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
Proverbs 29:16, King James Version

Proverbs 29:16 in other translations

BSBWhen the wicked thrive, rebellion increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
WEBWhen the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.
ASVWhen the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth; But the righteous shall look upon their fall.
YLTIn the multiplying of the wicked transgression multiplieth, And the righteous on their fall do look.
DARBYWhen the wicked increase, transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall see their fall.
BBEWhen evil men are in power, wrongdoing is increased; but the upright will have pleasure when they see their downfall.
WebsterWhen the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

What does Proverbs 29:16 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
16. (Compare Pr 29:2, 12; Psa 12:1-8). shall see ... fall--and triumph in it (Psa 37:34-38; 58:10, 11).

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 16 When the wicked are multiplied - That, in the multiplication of the wicked transgression is increased, requires no proof; but an important doctrine attaches to this. On this account wicked nations and wicked families are cut off and rooted out. Were it not so righteousness would in process of time be banished from the earth. This will account for many of the numerous instances in which whole families fail.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
Let not the righteous have their faith and hope shocked by the increase of sin and sinners, but let them wait with patience.

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain

Proverbs 29:16 in the original Hebrew

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

בִּרְב֣וֹתbir.Votwhen increaseH7235
רְ֭שָׁעִיםRe.sha.'imwicked [people]H7563
יִרְבֶּה\־yir.beh-it increasesH7235
פָּ֑שַׁעPa.sha'transgressionH6588
וְ֝צַדִּיקִ֗יםve.tza.di.Kimand righteous [people]H6662
בְּֽמַפַּלְתָּ֥םbe.ma.pal.Tamon overthrow theirH4658
יִרְאֽוּ\׃yir.'Uthey will lookH7200

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Proverbs 29:16

  • Psalms 37:34

    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 it.

  • Psalms 37:36

    Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

  • Psalms 92:11

    Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.

  • Psalms 58:10

    The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

  • Psalms 91:8

    Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

  • Proverbs 29:2

    When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

  • Revelation 15:4

    Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

  • Psalms 112:8

    His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

  • Revelation 18:20

    Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

  • Psalms 92:9

    For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
the wicked.
2; *marg:
but.
Ps 37:34,36; 58:10; 91:8; 92:9,11; 112:8; Re 15:4; 18:20

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • Proverbs 29:15

    The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

  • Proverbs 29:16

    When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

  • Proverbs 29:17

    Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

Read all of Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29:16 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Cuando los impíos son muchos, mucha es la prevaricación; mas los justos verán la ruina de ellos.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		Quand les méchants se multiplient, la transgression se multiplie; mais les justes verront leur chute.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Wenn die Gesetzlosen sich mehren, mehrt sich die Übertretung; aber die Gerechten werden ihrem Falle zusehen.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		In multiplicatione impiorum multiplicabuntur scelera, et justi ruinas eorum videbunt.