Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

PROVERBS 13:21KJV
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Proverbs 13:21 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 13:21 mean?

Proverbs 13:21 says that trouble and harm chase after those who do wrong, but those who live rightly will eventually receive good in return. The verse draws a clear line between the outcomes for people who act wickedly and those who act righteously.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, directed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse uses everyday language to show that actions have consequences: wrongdoing tends to bring negative results, while right living leads to positive outcomes, even if not immediately.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 13:21

  • "Evil" (רַע, raʿ): This word often means not just moral evil, but also harm, trouble, or misfortune. Here, it suggests that bad consequences actively pursue those who do wrong.
  • "Pursueth" (רָדַף, radaf): This word means to chase or hunt down. The image is of trouble not just happening by chance, but actually chasing after sinners.
  • "Repayed" (שָׁלַם, shalam): This word means to make whole, repay, or restore. The idea is that good is not just given, but paid back or returned to the righteous, as if settling a debt.

Why Proverbs 13:21 matters

  • Proverbs 13:21 clarifies that the results of our actions are not random; there is a built-in connection between how we live and what we experience.
  • The verse emphasizes that good outcomes for the righteous are not always instant, but they are certain, using the idea of repayment to stress fairness and certainty.
  • This proverb fits into a larger biblical theme that wisdom and righteousness lead to lasting benefit, while wrongdoing brings its own trouble, reinforcing the practical value of wise living.

Where else these words appear

“sinners” Hebrew H2400 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
  • Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
  • Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

“repayed” Hebrew H7999 · used in 107 verses

  • Genesis 44:4 And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?
  • 1 Kings 9:25 And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense upon the altar that was before the LORD. So he finished the house.
  • Proverbs 6:31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

“pursueth” Hebrew H7291 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Judges 8:4 And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.
  • Psalms 38:20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.