The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

PROVERBS 21:27KJV
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Proverbs 21:27 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 21:27 mean?

Proverbs 21:27 says that an offering does not make a wicked person’s conduct acceptable. The proverb presses the point further: an offering brought with an evil purpose is even more offensive.

The image is of someone bringing an animal or another offering to God. The saying moves from the character of the person bringing the offering to the purpose behind the act. “How much more” gives the second part its force.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 21:27

  • “abomination” — תּוֹעֵבָה (toʿevah): This word describes something regarded as deeply offensive or detestable. The KJV uses it to express a strong judgment on the offering.
  • “mind” — זִמָּה (zimmāh): This word can refer to a scheme or purpose, often an evil one. Here it points to the intention behind bringing the offering, not merely to a passing thought.

Why Proverbs 21:27 matters

  • The proverb treats the offering as more than an object placed before God. The phrase “the sacrifice of the wicked” connects the gift with the person who brings it.
  • The second half adds a further concern about the person’s purpose. “When he bringeth it with a wicked mind” pictures an act of worship being used in the service of an evil aim.
  • The nearby sayings also weigh speech and conduct. Verse 28, for example, contrasts a false witness with someone who listens before speaking.

Where else these words appear

“mind” Hebrew H2154 · used in 27 verses

  • Leviticus 18:17 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.
  • Proverbs 10:23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
  • Ezekiel 23:21 Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth, in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for the paps of thy youth.

“abomination” Hebrew H8441 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Ezra 9:14 Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?
  • Ezekiel 7:4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.