21:15
This proverb contrasts the different responses of righteous people and evildoers to the doing of justice.
15a Justice executed is a joy to the righteous
15b but a terror to the workers of iniquity.
In Hebrew, the verse is literally “joy to/for the righteous to do justice and/but terror to/for doers of wickedness.” The Berean Standard Bible has supplied the verb “is.”
21:15a
Justice executed is a joy to the righteous: There are two ways to interpret who accomplishes Justice :
(1) People in general accomplish justice. It brings righteous people joy when someone in the government or community does what is right or accomplishes justice for others. For example:
When justice is done, good people are happy (Good News Translation)
(2) Righteous people do justice. It brings them joy when they do what is right or when they accomplish justice for others. For example:
Doing what is right fills the upright with joy (New Jerusalem Bible)
The Hebrew phrase can be understood either way. In some languages, it may be possible to translate this phrase so that either meaning is understood. If it is not possible, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with most versions. This interpretation forms a better contrast with the parallel phrase “terror to the workers of iniquity.”
Another way to translate 21:15a is:
Righteous people feel joy when their fellowmen treat others fairly/justly.
21:15b
but a terror to the workers of iniquity: This phrase describes the emotion that workers of iniquity feel when legal or social justice is accomplished. They are afraid or dismayed when criminals are punished for breaking the law or when the rights of poor people are defended. Some other ways to translate this line are:
but it causes dismay among evildoers (Revised English Bible)
-or-
but troublemakers are terrified (God’s Word)
-or-
but evil people are brought to despair (Good News Translation)
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