King James Version
What Does Proverbs 6:16 Mean?
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: unto: Heb. of his soul”
Context
14
Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord . soweth: Heb. casteth forth
15
Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
16
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: unto: Heb. of his soul
17
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A proud: Heb. Haughty eyes
18
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(16) **These six things doth the Lord hate . . .—**Rather, *six are the things which He hateth. *It is a sort of climax:—He hates six things, but the seventh worse than all. This numerical form of proverb, to which the name of *middah *is given by later writers, is found also in Proverbs 30:15-16; Proverbs 30:18-19; Proverbs 30:21-23; Proverbs 30:29-31; Job 5:19; Amos 1:3 - Amos 2:1; Ecclesiasticus 23:16; Ecclesiasticus 25:7; Ecclesiasticus 26:5; Ecclesiasticus 26:28; and in all these instances the number first named is increased afterwards by one. This peculiarity is absent from the instances occurring in Proverbs 30:7-9; Proverbs 30:24-28; Ecclesiasticus 25:1-2.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 6:16 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 6:16
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge