King James Version

What Does Proverbs 24:20 Mean?

Proverbs 24:20 in the King James Version says “For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. candle: or, lamp” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. candle: or, lamp”

Proverbs 24:20 · KJV

Context

18

Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. it displeaseth: Heb. it be evil in his eyes

19

Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; Fret: or, Keep not company with the wicked

20

For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. candle: or, lamp

21

My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: them: Heb. changers

22

For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

Read Proverbs 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This proverb describes the wicked's hopeless end. 'For there shall be no reward to the evil man' (כִּי לֹא־תִהְיֶה אַחֲרִית לָרָע/ki lo-tihyeh acharit lara, for there will be no future/end for the evil person) uses אַחֲרִית (acharit, end/outcome/future) indicating no hope beyond death. The wicked face eternal judgment, not reward. 'The candle of the wicked shall be put out' (נֵר רְשָׁעִים יִדְעָךְ/ner resha'im yid'akh, the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished) uses light as metaphor for life and prosperity. Job used similar imagery: 'the light of the wicked shall be put out' (Job 18:5). The wicked may prosper temporarily, but their light will be extinguished—life ended, legacy forgotten, joy terminated. This contrasts with the righteous: 'the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day' (Proverbs 4:18). Christ is the ultimate 'light of the world' (John 8:12), and believers are 'the light of the world' (Matthew 5:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient lamps provided essential light in homes without modern illumination. A extinguished lamp meant darkness, danger, and inability to function. Thus 'lamp' symbolized life, prosperity, and legacy throughout Scripture. Job lamented: 'when his candle shined upon my head' (Job 29:3), recalling better days. Conversely, the wicked's lamp being put out depicted judgment: Babylon's lamp would cease (Jeremiah 25:10). Edom's lamp would be extinguished (Obadiah 1:18). In the New Testament, Jesus used lamp imagery in parables—the wise virgins kept oil; foolish ones ran out (Matthew 25:1-13). Revelation depicts churches as lampstands that Christ threatens to remove if they don't repent (Revelation 2:5). The new Jerusalem needs no lamp because God's glory illuminates it (Revelation 21:23). The righteous will shine 'as the stars for ever and ever' (Daniel 12:3); the wicked face darkness—hell, separation from God's light.

Reflection Questions

  1. What legacy are you building—a lamp that shines into eternity or one that will be extinguished?
  2. How does understanding that the wicked face hopeless ends change your perspective on their apparent prosperity?
  3. Are you living in the light of Christ, or in darkness destined for extinguishing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּ֤י׀1 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹֽא2 of 8
H3808

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

תִהְיֶ֣ה3 of 8
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַחֲרִ֣ית4 of 8

“For there shall be no reward”

H319

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

לָרָ֑ע5 of 8

“to the evil”

H7451

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

נֵ֖ר6 of 8

“man the candle”

H5216

a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)

רְשָׁעִ֣ים7 of 8

“of the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

יִדְעָֽךְ׃8 of 8

“shall be put out”

H1846

to be extinguished; figuratively, to expire or be dried up

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 24:20 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 24:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 13:9Job 18:5-6Job 21:17Psalms 11:6Proverbs 20:20Matthew 25:8

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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