King James Version

What Does Obadiah 1:12 Mean?

Obadiah 1:12 in the King James Version says “But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest tho...” — study this verse from Obadiah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress. spoken: Heb. magnified thy mouth”

Obadiah 1:12 · KJV

Context

10

For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.

11

In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them. captive: or, his substance

12

But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress. spoken: Heb. magnified thy mouth

13

Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity; substance: or, forces

14

Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress. delivered up: or, shut up

Read Obadiah 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God condemns Edom's attitudes during Jerusalem's fall: "But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress." The repetition "thou shouldest not" emphasizes moral obligation violated. "Looked on"—gloating observation. "Rejoiced"—taking pleasure in others' suffering. "Spoken proudly"—mocking distress. Proverbs 24:17-18 warns: "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth... lest the LORD see it, and it displease him." Taking pleasure in others' calamity, especially covenant relatives', constitutes serious sin. Christ commands loving enemies (Matthew 5:43-48), weeping with those who weep (Romans 12:15).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Edom's response to Jerusalem's destruction demonstrated not just failure to help but active hostility and celebration. This pattern repeats in church history when professing Christians celebrate others' suffering rather than showing compassion. The Pharisee thanking God he's not like the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14) exemplifies similar pride. God resists such arrogance.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you secretly (or openly) rejoice when others you dislike face difficulties?
  2. How does Christ's command to love enemies challenge natural human responses to others' suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְאַל1 of 17
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּ֤רֶא2 of 17

“But thou shouldest not have looked”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְּי֥וֹם3 of 17

“in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אָחִ֙יךָ֙4 of 17

“of thy brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

בְּי֥וֹם5 of 17

“in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

נָכְר֔וֹ6 of 17
H5237

strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)

וְאַל7 of 17
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּשְׂמַ֥ח8 of 17

“neither shouldest thou have rejoiced”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

לִבְנֵֽי9 of 17

“over the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְהוּדָ֖ה10 of 17

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

בְּי֥וֹם11 of 17

“in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אָבְדָ֑ם12 of 17

“of their destruction”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

וְאַל13 of 17
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּגְדֵּ֥ל14 of 17

“proudly”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

פִּ֖יךָ15 of 17

“neither shouldest thou have spoken”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

בְּי֥וֹם16 of 17

“in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

צָרָֽה׃17 of 17

“of distress”

H6869

transitively, a female rival

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Obadiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Obadiah 1:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Obadiah 1:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 17:5Ezekiel 35:15Micah 4:11Proverbs 24:17-18Matthew 27:40-431 Samuel 2:3

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