King James Version

What Does Proverbs 29:16 Mean?

Proverbs 29:16 in the King James Version says “When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.”

Proverbs 29:16 · KJV

Context

14

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

15

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

16

When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

17

Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

18

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. perish: or, is made naked

Read Proverbs 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth (בִּרְבוֹת רְשָׁעִים יִרְבֶּה־פָּשַׁע)—as the wicked (resha'im) increase in number or influence, rebellion (pesha) multiplies. Sin is social and exponential—wickedness emboldens wickedness. When moral restraint is removed, transgression metastasizes.

But the righteous shall see their fall (וְצַדִּיקִים בְּמַפַּלְתָּם יִרְאוּ)—yet the righteous (tzadiqim) will witness their downfall (bemapaltam, their ruin/collapse). This isn't vengeful gloating but vindication of God's moral order. Psalm 37:34-38 similarly promises the righteous will see the wicked's end. History confirms that empires built on wickedness collapse; tyrannies fall. The righteous witness God's justice enacted in time.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel repeatedly cycled through periods of apostasy and judgment (Judges cycle). When wicked kings or foreign powers dominated, transgression increased—temple prostitution, child sacrifice, injustice. Yet prophets promised coming reversal. The exile demonstrated this principle massively—Babylonian wickedness ascendant, then destroyed by Persia. The righteous remnant witnessed God's faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain hope when wicked ideologies or leaders seem to be multiplying and transgression increasing?
  2. What does it mean to 'see their fall'—how should righteous people respond to the collapse of wicked systems?
  3. In what ways does the exponential nature of sin (increasing wickedness multiplying transgression) call for active resistance rather than passive tolerance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יִרְבֶּה1 of 7

“are multiplied”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

רְ֭שָׁעִים2 of 7

“When the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

יִרְבֶּה3 of 7

“are multiplied”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

פָּ֑שַׁע4 of 7

“transgression”

H6588

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

וְ֝צַדִּיקִ֗ים5 of 7

“but the righteous”

H6662

just

בְּֽמַפַּלְתָּ֥ם6 of 7

“their fall”

H4658

fall, i.e., decadence; concretely, a ruin; specifically a carcase

יִרְאֽוּ׃7 of 7

“shall see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 29:16 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 29:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 58:10Psalms 91:8Psalms 92:11Psalms 37:34Psalms 37:36Proverbs 29:2

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