The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
PROVERBS 21:27KJVWhat does Proverbs 21:27 mean?
Proverbs 21:27 says that when a person who does evil brings a sacrifice, it is disgusting to God; it is even worse if that person offers the sacrifice with a corrupt intention. The verse warns that outward religious actions mean nothing if a person's heart and motives are wrong.
In Proverbs, these sayings are collected as wisdom for everyday life, often presented as advice from a wise teacher to a learner. Here, the focus is on the emptiness of religious rituals performed by someone described as "wicked"—someone who acts against what is right. The verse highlights that not only the action itself, but also the motivation behind it, matters deeply.
The Hebrew behind Proverbs 21:27
- "sacrifice" (זֶבַח, zevach): This word refers to an offering or ritual animal sacrifice. In ancient Israel, sacrifices were a central part of worship, so calling a sacrifice "abomination" is a strong statement.
- "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha): This describes someone who acts unjustly or opposes what is right, not just someone who makes mistakes.
- "abomination" (תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah): This word means something utterly detestable or loathsome, especially in a moral or religious sense. It shows how strongly God rejects empty religious acts from someone living in opposition to Him.
- "mind" (זִמָּה, zimmah): This word often means an evil plan or scheme, not just thoughts. The verse is pointing to someone who not only does wrong but brings their offering with a deliberately bad or scheming intention.
Why Proverbs 21:27 matters
- Proverbs 21:27 clears up the idea that religious rituals or good deeds can cover up a life of wrongdoing; the verse insists that God cares about the heart and motives, not just outward actions.
- The verse emphasizes that even acts that seem good on the outside can be worse than useless if done with a corrupt purpose—intention matters as much as action.
- In the wider context of Proverbs, this verse fits with the theme that wisdom involves integrity and sincerity, not just appearances or rituals.