Proverbs 16:5 kjv

Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

Proverbs 16:5 nkjv

Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.

Proverbs 16:5 niv

The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 16:5 esv

Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 16:5 nlt

The LORD detests the proud;
they will surely be punished.

Proverbs 16 verses

Proverbs 16 5 Meaning

Every heart elevated in self-importance or arrogance is detestable to the Lord. While the proud may band together in alliance or show outward strength, they will inevitably face the just consequence of their pride; divine judgment cannot be avoided.

Proverbs 16 5 Context

Proverbs 16 opens with a profound declaration of the Lord's sovereignty over human plans and actions. Verse 1 ("The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord") and Verse 2 ("All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit") establish a divine perspective that transcends human self-assessment and intentions. Verse 3 encourages dedicating one's work to the Lord for success, and Verse 4 states that the Lord has made everything for its purpose, including the wicked for the day of trouble. Against this backdrop of divine control and purpose, verse 5 directly addresses the specific characteristic of pride, contrasting human arrogance with God's ultimate authority and judgment. It serves as a stern warning within a chapter emphasizing dependence on and reverence for the Lord. Historically, the audience would have been accustomed to rulers and powerful individuals who often displayed hubris, viewing themselves as untouchable; this proverb directly challenges such perceptions by affirming divine accountability for all.

Proverbs 16 5 Word analysis

• Every one that is proud: Hebrew: כָּל־גְּבַהּ־לֵב (kol gĕvahh-lev).

  • כָּל (kol): "every," "all." Emphasizes universality; not just some, but anyone.
  • גְּבַהּ־לֵב (gĕvahh-lev): "proud in heart," literally "high of heart" or "exalted of heart."
    • גְּבַהּ (gĕvahh): "high," "exalted," "lofty." Refers to elevated status or position, but here, specifically an inflated sense of self-worth or arrogance. This elevation is spiritual and moral, a setting of oneself above God and others.
    • לֵב (lev): "heart." In Hebrew thought, the heart is the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character—the entire inner being. Thus, "proud in heart" indicates pride deeply rooted in one's core being, not just an outward display. It signifies an intrinsic character flaw.

• is an abomination: Hebrew: תּוֹעֲבַת (to'ăvat).

  • תּוֹעֲבָה (to'evah): "abomination," "detestable thing," "abhorrent thing." This is a strong theological term, often used for things God finds utterly repulsive and morally offensive, particularly in cultic or ethical contexts. It implies something that God cannot tolerate or allow to stand, triggering divine rejection.

• to the Lord: Hebrew: יְהוָה (Yahweh).

  • יְהוָה (Yahweh): The covenant name of God, indicating His personal, revealed character and His active presence in judgment and salvation. It emphasizes that this is not merely a moral guideline but a divine decree from the ultimate Sovereign.

• though hand join in hand: Hebrew: יָד לְיָד (yad l'yad).

  • Literally, "hand to hand." This idiom conveys a sense of collective action, solidarity, confederacy, or even a sworn pledge. It implies unity, combined strength, or a conspiratorial alliance among the proud. It can also signify a firm assurance or guarantee.
  • Significance: No matter how many people unite in their pride or how strong their collective might seems, their efforts will not thwart divine judgment. Human power or solidarity is inconsequential before God.

• he shall not be unpunished: Hebrew: לֹא יִנָּקֶה (lo yinnaqeh).

  • לֹא (lo): "not."
  • יִנָּקֶה (yinnaqeh): Derived from the root נקה (naqah), meaning "to be clean," "to be clear," "to be innocent," "to be acquitted."
  • Therefore, "shall not be acquitted," "shall not be declared innocent," "shall not go unpunished," or "shall certainly be held accountable." This signifies certain judgment and the inevitable receiving of due consequences for their actions.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord": This phrase identifies pride as an inherent character trait deeply offensive to God. It highlights the divine moral standard, making pride not just a mistake but an inherent repulsion to the holy nature of Yahweh. It asserts God's absolute opposition to internal arrogance.

• "though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished": This segment addresses the futility of human power, alliances, or outward solidarity when confronting divine will and judgment. It teaches that no network, conspiracy, or collective might of proud individuals can provide immunity from the inevitable divine consequences of their arrogance. Their unity will not absolve them from God's decree of justice.

Proverbs 16 5 Bonus section

The Hebrew concept of the "heart" (lev) being the center of one's inner life is crucial here; it's not just about outward boastfulness, but a foundational posture of self-reliance that rejects dependence on God. This internal elevation sets oneself as ultimate, effectively challenging God's supreme position, which makes it so detestable. Furthermore, "though hand join in hand" (yad l'yad) is also found in Proverbs 11:21: "Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered." This parallelism confirms that the phrase signifies collective effort or security in sin. The identical pronouncement of "not unpunished" emphasizes an unyielding divine principle against both general wickedness and specific pride. This proverb functions as a stern warning against the self-deception inherent in pride, for it leads one to believe they are strong or safe when in reality they are incurring God's wrath and assured downfall. It implicitly urges humility and reverence for the Lord, aligning one's heart and plans with His perfect will.

Proverbs 16 5 Commentary

Proverbs 16:5 powerfully asserts God's unwavering opposition to pride. It reveals that arrogance, deeply seated in the heart, is not merely a flaw but an "abomination"—a term denoting extreme detestability to the holy Lord. This indicates that pride goes against God's very nature and His righteous order. The verse then dismisses the illusion that human solidarity or collective strength, expressed as "hand joining in hand," can provide any protection or escape from divine retribution. Whether it's a unified conspiracy of wicked men, a mutual assurance to defend one another, or a public display of might, no such human bond can override God's immutable justice. The consequence for the proud is certain: "he shall not be unpunished." God will indeed hold the proud accountable and ensure they face the appropriate repercussions for their haughtiness. This proverb underscores divine sovereignty and justice, affirming that all human efforts and intentions, especially those tainted by pride, are subject to the inescapable scrutiny and judgment of Yahweh.

• Practical Usage:
  • Recognize that true strength comes from humility before God, not from self-exaltation.
  • Avoid forming alliances or engaging in group activities that are rooted in arrogance or defy righteous principles, as they are doomed to fail.
  • Remember that even widespread agreement or societal trends rooted in pride cannot exempt individuals or groups from divine judgment.