Proverbs 1:16 kjv
For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
Proverbs 1:16 nkjv
For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood.
Proverbs 1:16 niv
for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood.
Proverbs 1:16 esv
for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.
Proverbs 1:16 nlt
They rush to commit evil deeds.
They hurry to commit murder.
Proverbs 1 16 Cross References
(table)| Verse | Text | Reference || :---- | :--- | :-------- || Isa 59:7 | Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood... | Direct parallel to Pro 1:16; human depravity. || Rom 3:15-17 | "Their feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their paths..." | NT quote of Isa 59:7, incorporating elements of Pro 1:16; human fallenness. || Pro 4:16 | For they cannot sleep unless they have done evil; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble. | Reinforces the active eagerness of the wicked to do evil. || Pro 6:18 | ...a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil... | Another parallel depicting speed and intent towards wickedness. || Ps 14:3 | All have turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. | Describes the universal nature of fallen humanity's tendency toward evil. || Jer 44:4 | ...nor do that abominable thing that I hate! | God's absolute opposition to wicked and abominable acts. || Ps 1:1 | Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers. | Antithesis: warning against association with the wicked. || Pro 2:12 | delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech. | Protection from those whose path leads to evil. || Pro 2:15 | those whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways. | Description of the crooked, twisted path of evil men. || Gen 9:6 | "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image." | Divine sanctity of human life and condemnation of murder. || Num 35:33 | You shall not pollute the land in which you live, for blood pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made... | Unpunished shedding of innocent blood pollutes the land. || Deut 19:10 | lest innocent blood be shed in your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance, and so bloodguilt come upon you. | Command to avoid the shedding of innocent blood. || Isa 59:3 | For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies; your tongue mutters wickedness. | Imagery of defilement through shedding of blood. || Hos 4:2 | There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. | Escalation of wicked acts, leading to continuous violence. || 1 John 3:15 | Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. | NT correlation of hate in heart to the act of murder. || John 3:19 | And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. | Describes the inherent preference for evil deeds over truth. || Eph 5:11 | Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. | Exhortation to avoid participation in deeds of wickedness. || Pro 8:13 | The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. | Antithesis: the wise hate evil, the wicked embrace it. || Pro 13:20 | Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. | Contrasts walking with wise vs. wicked and their consequences. || Pro 28:10 | Whoever leads the upright astray into an evil way will himself fall into his own pit... | Warns of consequences for leading others to evil paths. || Job 24:14 | The murderer rises before it is light, that he may kill the poor and needy... | Description of the murderer's proactive and insidious nature. || Micah 2:1 | Woe to those who devise mischief while on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand. | Describes deliberate planning and execution of evil deeds. |(table)
Proverbs 1 verses
Proverbs 1 16 Meaning
Proverbs 1:16 illustrates the intrinsic nature and active disposition of the wicked: they are characterized by an eager and swift pursuit of wrongdoing, specifically inclined towards acts of violence and the unlawful shedding of blood. This verse emphasizes their haste and readiness to commit sin, rather than being merely passive or occasional participants in evil. It highlights their predetermined path of destructive actions.
Proverbs 1 16 Context
Proverbs chapter 1 serves as an introduction to the book, setting forth its purpose to impart wisdom and understanding. Verses 8-19 constitute a paternal warning to a "son" (or young disciple) against the lure of sinful companions, specifically a band of violent men who seek ill-gotten gain. Verse 15 warns the son, "My son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths." Proverbs 1:16 then provides the reason for this strong warning, detailing the active, destructive nature of these wicked individuals. They are not merely prone to sin but are characterized by an inherent eagerness and haste towards committing evil, culminating in violence and murder. This verse, therefore, justifies the previous admonition to avoid their company, highlighting the profound moral danger they represent. Historically, this counsel was vital in a society where justice could often be circumvented by powerful, ruthless individuals, and wisdom sought to instill a deep-seated moral discernment in the young.
Proverbs 1 16 Word analysis
For (כִּי, ki): A causal conjunction, linking this verse as the reason or explanation for the warning given in the preceding verse (Pro 1:15). It introduces the underlying nature of the wicked that necessitates avoidance.
their feet (רַגְלֵיהֶם, rag'leihem): Literally the physical appendages, but here a metonymy for their movements, their conduct, their chosen direction, or their way of life. The emphasis on "feet" signifies activity, initiative, and the course they are set upon. It underscores their willingness and readiness to act.
run (יָרוּצוּ, yarutzu): A verb signifying quick movement, haste, eagerness, or initiative. It conveys a sense of speed and an absence of hesitation, indicating that the wicked do not merely stumble into evil but actively rush towards it. This is not a reluctant action but a pursuit.
to evil (לָרָע, la'ra): Refers to morally wicked deeds, harm, wrongdoing, or mischief. It's the ultimate destination of their hastened path. The object of their eager pursuit is actively causing harm.
and they make haste (וִימַהֲרוּ, vi'maha'ru): Another verb emphasizing urgency, swiftness, and promptness. It powerfully reinforces the preceding "run," creating a strong sense of unhesitating and eager movement. This parallelism intensifies the meaning.
to shed blood (לִשְׁפֹּוךְ דָּם, lishpotkh dam): An idiomatic Hebrew expression for killing, specifically involving violence and often the unjustified taking of life. "Blood" (דָּם, dam) often represents life itself. Thus, "shedding blood" signifies terminating life violently and is indicative of murder or severe injury. This specifies the type of heinous evil they rush towards.
their feet run to evil: This phrase depicts the inherent bent and readiness of the wicked toward wrongdoing. It signifies that their very being, their direction in life, is oriented towards producing harm and mischief. It highlights the internal motivation for their destructive actions.
and they make haste to shed blood: This second phrase acts as synonymous parallelism, reinforcing and specifying the nature of the "evil" mentioned in the first phrase. It intensifies the message by highlighting the ultimate and violent outcome of their hurried path. It points to their unhesitating inclination toward murder or brutal acts. Together, these phrases vividly illustrate the active, eager, and deadly nature of the wicked's pursuits.
Proverbs 1 16 Bonus section
- Synonymous Parallelism: The verse employs synonymous parallelism, where the second phrase ("they make haste to shed blood") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first phrase ("their feet run to evil"). This poetic device deepens the emphasis on the wicked's eagerness for destruction.
- Holistic Depravity: The "feet" here symbolize not just physical movement but the entirety of a person's life trajectory and choices. Thus, the verse suggests a complete and pervasive orientation towards evil in the wicked individual.
- Application in the New Testament: Paul's direct quotation of parts of this verse (and Isaiah 59:7) in Romans 3:15-17 emphasizes the universal human fallenness and the natural inclination of unregenerate humanity toward sin and violence, providing a foundational theological truth for the necessity of salvation through Christ.
- Moral Contrast: This verse provides a stark contrast to the way of wisdom, which counsels caution, thoughtfulness, and a walk that leads to life and peace, rather than hasty and destructive pursuits.
Proverbs 1 16 Commentary
Proverbs 1:16 is a powerful warning that reveals the deep-seated malice within the wicked. It goes beyond merely stating that evil people do evil things; it highlights their eager disposition and rapid inclination towards committing sin, particularly acts of violence leading to bloodshed. The dual imagery of "running" and "making haste" underscores an innate, active impulse rather than a passive susceptibility. These individuals are not coerced into wickedness; they spontaneously pursue it, and their destructive tendencies are immediate and unchecked. This verse stresses the crucial importance of discerning evil associations, for those who choose such a path are not merely walking towards peril but eagerly racing towards acts of ultimate harm against others. Avoiding their "path" (v. 15) is therefore paramount, as their very movement leads directly to destruction and the grievous sin of shedding innocent blood, showing contempt for life itself.