Translation commentary on Proverbs 21:7

This verse is a single sentence, in which the second line is an explanation for the statement of the first line. The theme is similar to that of 1.19, that violence destroys those who practice it.

“The violence of the wicked will sweep them away”: “Violence” is behavior that harms, ruins, mistreats, or oppresses other people. Most English versions use the word “violence” here; in languages that express the sense using a verb of action, renderings such as “wicked people hurt others,” “. . . treat others harshly,” or “. . . are cruel to others” are possible. Scott translates “The plunder seized by wicked men will. . ..” The Hebrew verb translated “sweep them away” is literally “drag them away” (as in New International Version) like fish caught in a net. Versions that express this sense without using figurative language say something like “the violence of the wicked proves their ruin” (New Jerusalem Bible) or “the wicked are doomed by their own violence” (Good News Translation).

“Because they refuse to do what is just”: “Because” indicates the root cause of the behavior described in the first line and its outcome. Almost by definition, “the wicked” are people who “refuse to do what is just” (or “right,” New International Version, Good News Translation). The consequence of this state of mind is what was stated in the first line, namely that their own violent actions destroy them.

In some languages it is more natural to state the cause before its consequence, and so this verse may need to be restructured. One such restructuring is “Wicked people refuse to do what is good. They constantly hurt other people. And so their behavior will destroy them.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

complete verse (Proverbs 21:7)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 21:7:

  • Kupsabiny: “The wicked will be destroyed by their wickedness
    because they refuse to do the truth.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The wicked will destroy themselves by their violence.
    They refuse to do good.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The cruelty of the wicked is the one who can-destroy them, for they do not want to do right/just.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Sinners will-be-punished because of their cruelty, because they refuse/don’t-want to do what is right.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • English: “Wicked people refuse to do what is right/just,
    but they will be ruined because of the violent things that they do.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 21:7

21:7

The first line of this proverb identifies the sin of wicked people as their violent treatment of others. The result of their violence will be their own destruction. The second line gives the cause of their violent conduct and of its consequences.

7a The violence of the wicked will sweep them away

7b because they refuse to do what is just.

21:7a

The violence of the wicked will sweep them away: In this clause, violence is personified. The violent deeds that wicked people do to others are described as someone or something that drags the wicked people away. This figure of speech means that the wicked will be severely punished or destroyed as a result of the harm that they do to others. For example:

The violence of the wicked will destroy them (New King James Version)

In many languages, it will be necessary to express this relationship in other ways. For example:

The wicked are doomed by their own violence (Good News Translation)
-or-
As a result of the cruel/harmful things that the wicked do to others, they themselves will experience punishment/destruction.

violence of the wicked: This phrase indicates that wicked people treat others in a way that is harsh, cruel, or oppressive.

will sweep them away: In Hebrew, this verb implies that the wicked are taken away ⌊to be punished or destroyed⌋ . The verse does not specify whether they are punished by the LORD or other people. If possible, translate in a way that allows either meaning. See the Good News Translation and the other example quoted above.

21:7b

because they refuse to do what is just: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as what is just is literally “justice.” It may refer to legal decisions that are “just.” It may also refer to any action that is “right,” “fair,” or just in reference to another person. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

for they refuse to do what is right (New International Version)
-or-
because they refuse to act with justice (New American Standard Bible)

In some languages, it may be appropriate to use more than one term in order to include both aspects of meaning. For example:

what is right and just

General Comment on 21:7a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to put the cause before the consequence. For example:

Wicked people refuse to do what is right. They are cruel to others. As a result, they themselves will be destroyed.

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