King James Version

What Does Proverbs 13:21 Mean?

Proverbs 13:21 in the King James Version says “Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Proverbs 13:21 · KJV

Context

19

The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

20

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. destroyed: Heb. broken

21

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

22

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

23

Much food is in the tillage of the poor : but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

Read Proverbs 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This proverb establishes the moral principle of retributive justice. "Evil pursueth sinners" pictures sin's consequences actively chasing wrongdoers. Chatta'im terad'ef ra'ah (חַטָּאִים תְּרַדֵּף רָעָה, sinners—evil pursues). Radaf (רָדַף, pursue, chase, persecute) suggests relentless hunting. Evil doesn't just happen to sinners—it hunts them down like prey.

"But to the righteous good shall be repayed" promises divine recompense. Ve'et-tsaddiqim yeshallем-tov (וְאֶת־צַדִּיקִים יְשַׁלֵּם־טוֹב, but the righteous—good will be repaid). Shalam (שָׁלַם, repay, recompense, restore, make peace) indicates full payment. God ensures the righteous receive tov (טוֹב, good, welfare, prosperity).

This principle reflects God's moral governance. Sin carries built-in consequences that pursue perpetrators. Numbers 32:23 warns: "Be sure your sin will find you out." Galatians 6:7 teaches: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Evil pursued Haman (Esther 7:10), Ahab (1 Kings 22:37-38), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). Conversely, God repays the righteous—sometimes temporally, always eternally. While believers face trials, Romans 8:28 promises all things work together for good. Christ's atonement broke sin's pursuit, and God will fully repay believers with eternal glory (2 Timothy 4:8, 1 Peter 5:4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history demonstrated this principle. National sin brought Assyrian and Babylonian conquest—evil pursued them. Individual examples include Achan (Joshua 7), Gehazi (2 Kings 5:27), and Ananias/Sapphira (Acts 5). Conversely, righteous figures like Joseph, Daniel, and Mordecai experienced divine recompense. The covenant promised blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28), validating this proverb's truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you experienced sin's consequences 'pursuing' you through guilt, broken relationships, or other natural results?
  2. How does understanding that God will repay the righteous provide comfort when facing present injustice or suffering?
  3. In what ways has God already begun repaying you with good as a believer, and what ultimate repayment awaits at Christ's return?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
חַ֭טָּאִים1 of 7

“sinners”

H2400

a criminal, or one accounted guilty

תְּרַדֵּ֣ף2 of 7

“pursueth”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

רָעָ֑ה3 of 7

“Evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וְאֶת4 of 7
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

צַ֝דִּיקִ֗ים5 of 7

“but to the righteous”

H6662

just

יְשַׁלֶּם6 of 7

“shall be repayed”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

טֽוֹב׃7 of 7

“good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Proverbs 13:21 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 Proverbs 13:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 32:10Isaiah 3:10-11Romans 2:7-10Proverbs 13:13Genesis 4:7Psalms 140:11

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