To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

PROVERBS 28:21KJV
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Proverbs 28:21 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 28:21 mean?

Proverbs 28:21 warns that showing favoritism is wrong, because even a small bribe or benefit can tempt someone to act unjustly. The verse points out that a person might betray what is right for something as minor as a piece of bread.

In Proverbs, these sayings are collected as wisdom for everyday life, often spoken by a teacher or parent to a younger listener. Here, the focus is on the danger of partiality—treating people differently based on personal gain—especially in situations where justice or fairness is at stake. The verse highlights how easily someone can be swayed to do wrong, even for a trivial reward.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 28:21

  • "respect" (נָכָה, nakhah): This word often means to recognize or show regard for someone, especially in a way that is unfair or biased. Here, it points to the act of favoring one person over another.
  • "persons" (פָּנִים, panim): Literally "faces," this word carries the idea of treating people differently based on who they are, rather than on what is right.
  • "piece" (פַּת, pat): This means a small portion, often just a fragment or slice, emphasizing how little it can take to corrupt judgment.
  • "bread" (לֶחֶם, lechem): Bread represents basic food or a simple need, showing that even basic necessities can be used as a bribe.
  • "man" (גֶּבֶר, gever): This word refers to a person, often with a sense of strength or responsibility, highlighting that even those expected to act rightly can fail.
  • "transgress" (פָּשַׁע, pasha): This means to rebel or break a standard, stressing that showing favoritism is not just a mistake but a real wrongdoing.

Why Proverbs 28:21 matters

  • Proverbs 28:21 clarifies that injustice does not always require a large bribe; even small temptations can lead to unfair actions, which challenges the idea that only major corruption is dangerous.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme in Proverbs of integrity and justice, warning that everyone is vulnerable to compromise, not just those in obvious positions of power.
  • By using the image of "a piece of bread," the proverb makes the lesson relatable and memorable, showing how everyday needs or desires can influence moral choices.

Where else these words appear

“piece” Hebrew H6595 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 18:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
  • Ruth 2:14 And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.
  • Job 31:17 Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;

“transgress” Hebrew H6586 · used in 37 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:50 And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:
  • Psalms 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
  • Jeremiah 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

“respect” Hebrew H5234 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 27:23 And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.
  • Ruth 2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
  • Job 21:29 Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,

“man” Hebrew H1397 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 10:11 Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.
  • Job 33:17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
  • Proverbs 30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,