King James Version

What Does Proverbs 16:29 Mean?

Proverbs 16:29 in the King James Version says “A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.”

Proverbs 16:29 · King James Version

Context

27

An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. An: Heb. A man of Belial

28

A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. soweth: Heb. sendeth forth

29

A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

30

He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

31

The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

Read Proverbs 16 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. Ish chamas yefat te re'ehu (אִישׁ חָמָס יְפַתֶּה רֵעֵהוּ, a man of violence entices his neighbor). Chamas (חָמָס, violence, wrong, cruelty) characterizes the wicked who patah (פָּתָה, entice, seduce, deceive) neighbors. Veholikho bederekh lo-tov (וְהוֹלִיכוֹ בְּדֶרֶךְ לֹא־טוֹב, and leads him in a way not good). The violent lead others astray into evil paths. The proverb warns against both being such people and being seduced by them. Paul warns: "Evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Believers must resist enticement to violence and injustice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient societies experienced violence—warfare, blood feuds, oppression. Violent people recruited others into their schemes—raiding parties, conspiracies, gangs. Proverbs 1:10-19 warns against being enticed by sinners into violence. Israel's history included violent movements (Absalom's rebellion, Zimri's coup) that seduced followers into destruction. Jesus modeled nonviolent resistance (Matthew 5:38-42, 26:52). Christians embrace peace (Romans 12:18-21).

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you being enticed by violent people or ideologies toward paths that are not good?
  2. How can you resist enticement toward violence, revenge, or injustice in thought, word, and deed?
  3. What does Jesus' model of nonviolent love teach about responding to violence and oppression?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אִ֣ישׁ1 of 8

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חָ֭מָס2 of 8

“A violent”

H2555

violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

יְפַתֶּ֣ה3 of 8

“enticeth”

H6601

to open, i.e., be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way)

רֵעֵ֑הוּ4 of 8

“his neighbour”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

וְ֝הוֹלִיכ֗וֹ5 of 8
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ6 of 8

“him into the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

לֹא7 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

טֽוֹב׃8 of 8

“that is not 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 16:29 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 16:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 2:12-152 Peter 3:17Proverbs 12:26Proverbs 3:31Proverbs 1:10-141 Samuel 22:7-9

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