King James Version

What Does Proverbs 24:22 Mean?

Proverbs 24:22 in the King James Version says “For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Proverbs 24:22 · KJV

Context

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?

23

These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

24

He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

Read Proverbs 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse explains why one should avoid revolutionaries. 'For their calamity shall rise suddenly' (כִּי־פִתְאֹם יָקוּם אֵידָם/ki-fit'om yaqum eydam, for suddenly their disaster will arise) warns that judgment on rebels comes unexpectedly. 'Who knoweth the ruin of them both?' (וּפִיד שְׁנֵיהֶם מִי־יוֹדֵעַ/ufid sheneyhem mi-yodea, and the ruin of both of them who knows?) The 'both' refers to God and the king—those who rebel against established authority face judgment from both divine and human sources. Revolutionary movements often promise freedom but deliver disaster. History validates this: Absalom's rebellion ended in death (2 Samuel 18:14). Sheba's revolt was crushed (2 Samuel 20:22). Adonijah's attempted coup failed (1 Kings 2:25). In the New Testament, Jewish rebellion against Rome (AD 66-70) resulted in Jerusalem's destruction—exactly as Jesus predicted (Luke 19:41-44; 21:20-24). Revolutionary fervor brought catastrophe. This doesn't prohibit all resistance to tyranny but warns against reckless rebellion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history recorded numerous rebellions—against Moses (Numbers 16), against David (2 Samuel 15-20), against Rehoboam (1 Kings 12). Most ended catastrophically. Korah's rebellion resulted in earth swallowing the rebels (Numbers 16:31-35). Absalom died despite his father's love (2 Samuel 18:14). The northern kingdom's rebellion against Rehoboam ultimately led to Assyrian conquest (2 Kings 17). In the intertestamental period, the Maccabean revolt succeeded temporarily but eventually brought Roman domination. First-century Zealots advocated violent resistance to Rome, culminating in the Jewish War (AD 66-70) that destroyed Jerusalem and the temple—killing over a million Jews. Jesus warned against this path (Matthew 24:15-21). Early Christians generally avoided revolutionary movements, though they suffered persecution for refusing to worship Caesar. Church history shows mixed results from Christian involvement in revolution—some justified (resisting Nazi tyranny), others catastrophic (various religious wars).

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between wise reform and reckless revolution?
  2. How do you discern when to work within systems versus when to actively resist them?
  3. Are there ways you're nurturing discontentment and revolutionary spirit rather than pursuing godly change?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּֽי1 of 8
H3588

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

פִ֭תְאֹם2 of 8

“suddenly”

H6597

instantly

יָק֣וּם3 of 8

“shall rise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֵידָ֑ם4 of 8

“For their calamity”

H343

oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin

וּפִ֥יד5 of 8

“the ruin”

H6365

(figuratively) misfortune

שְׁ֝נֵיהֶ֗ם6 of 8

“of them both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מִ֣י7 of 8
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יוֹדֵֽעַ׃8 of 8

“and who knoweth”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 24:22 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 24:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 18:7-8Hosea 5:11Psalms 90:11Numbers 16:31-352 Chronicles 13:16-17Proverbs 16:14

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