King James Version

What Does Proverbs 14:32 Mean?

Proverbs 14:32 in the King James Version says “The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.”

Proverbs 14:32 · KJV

Hope

Context

30

A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

31

He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

32

The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

33

Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

34

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. to any: Heb. to nations

Read Proverbs 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. Beraato yiddacheh rasha (בְּרָעָתוֹ יִדַּחֶה רָשָׁע, in his evil the wicked is driven away). Dadach (דָּדַח, drive away, thrust out) suggests violent expulsion. At death, the wicked are thrust into judgment with no hope. Vechosehvemoto tsaddiq (וְחֹסֶה בְמוֹתוֹ צַדִּיק, but the righteous has refuge in his death). Chasah (חָסָה, take refuge, trust) indicates confident hope. Death is the righteous person's doorway to God's presence. This proverb provides ultimate comfort—death is gain for believers (Philippians 1:21) but terror for the wicked.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Old Testament saints had growing understanding of life after death. Job declared: "I know that my redeemer liveth" (Job 19:25). David trusted God wouldn't leave his soul in Sheol (Psalm 16:10). Daniel prophesied resurrection (Daniel 12:2). This proverb affirms differing destinies. Jesus' resurrection illuminated these truths—believers have living hope (1 Peter 1:3), while the wicked face fearful judgment (Hebrews 10:27).

Reflection Questions

  1. Does the thought of death bring hope or fear, and what does your answer reveal about your relationship with God?
  2. How does Christ's death and resurrection transform death from enemy to doorway for believers?
  3. In what ways should hope in death affect how you live now?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בְּֽ֭רָעָתוֹ1 of 6

“in his wickedness”

H7451

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

יִדָּחֶ֣ה2 of 6

“is driven away”

H1760

to push down

רָשָׁ֑ע3 of 6

“The wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

וְחֹסֶ֖ה4 of 6

“hath hope”

H2620

to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in

בְמוֹת֣וֹ5 of 6

“in his death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

צַדִּֽיק׃6 of 6

“but the righteous”

H6662

just

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 14:32 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 14:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 4:18Psalms 23:42 Corinthians 5:8Revelation 14:13Job 19:25-27Genesis 49:18

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