King James Version

What Does Proverbs 29:27 Mean?

Proverbs 29:27 in the King James Version says “An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked. — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

Proverbs 29:27 · KJV


Context

25

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. safe: Heb. set on high

26

Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD. the ruler's: Heb. the face of a ruler

27

An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
An unjust man is an abomination to the just (תּוֹעֲבַת צַדִּיקִים אִישׁ עָוֶל, to'avat tzaddiqim ish avel)—תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah, 'abomination, detestable thing, object of loathing') describes how צַדִּיק (tzaddiq, 'righteous') regard אִישׁ עָוֶל (ish avel, 'man of injustice, perverse man'). Righteousness hates evil (Psalm 97:10, Romans 12:9). The righteous cannot be indifferent to injustice—it provokes moral revulsion.

And he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked (וְתוֹעֲבַת רָשָׁע יְשַׁר־דָּרֶךְ, veto'avat rasha yeshar-derekh)—reciprocally, the יָשָׁר דֶּרֶךְ (yashar derekh, 'upright in way, straight of path') is תּוֹעֵבָה to the רָשָׁע (rasha, 'wicked'). Moral opposites produce mutual abhorrence. Jesus: 'If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you' (John 15:18). Light and darkness cannot have fellowship (2 Corinthians 6:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This proverb concludes Solomon's collection (Proverbs 10-29), summarizing the ethical dualism pervading the book: two ways, two destinies, two communities with irreconcilable values. Israel's history demonstrated this tension: prophets versus false prophets, faithful remnant versus idolatrous majority. The church inherits this conflict: 'All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution' (2 Timothy 3:12).

Reflection Questions

  1. Does injustice provoke 'abomination' in you—or have you become desensitized to evil?
  2. How should Christians maintain moral clarity while loving enemies and praying for persecutors?
  3. Where do you experience the wicked's 'abomination' toward your uprightness—and how do you respond?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְתוֹעֲבַ֖ת1 of 8

is abomination

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

צַ֭דִּיקִים2 of 8

to the just

H6662

just

אִ֣ישׁ3 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)

עָ֑וֶל4 of 8

An unjust

H5766

(moral) evil

וְתוֹעֲבַ֖ת5 of 8

is abomination

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

רָשָׁ֣ע6 of 8

to the wicked

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

יְשַׁר7 of 8

and he that is upright

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

דָּֽרֶךְ׃8 of 8

in the way

H1870

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


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 29:27 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 29:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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