Proverbs 29:13 kjv

The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

Proverbs 29:13 nkjv

The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

Proverbs 29:13 niv

The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

Proverbs 29:13 esv

The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

Proverbs 29:13 nlt

The poor and the oppressor have this in common ?
the LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

Proverbs 29 verses

Proverbs 29 13 Meaning

Proverbs 29:13 conveys a profound truth about divine sovereignty and impartiality concerning humanity. It states that the economically disadvantaged person and the one who wrongs others both exist under God's watchful eye. Despite their contrasting social standing and moral positions, God is the ultimate source of life, provision, and perhaps even understanding for them both. The verse highlights that all people, regardless of their circumstances or actions, are recipients of God's universal light and sustenance.

Proverbs 29 13 Context

Proverbs 29 continues the book's themes of wisdom versus folly, righteous versus wicked conduct, and their consequences, particularly in relation to authority and societal welfare. This specific chapter frequently discusses the character and impact of rulers (e.g., v. 2, 4, 12, 14, 16). Verse 13 transitions from reflections on governance to a fundamental theological statement about God's universal providence over all human beings, regardless of their station or moral standing. It implicitly provides a divine backdrop against which human actions, especially those related to justice and injustice, are evaluated. Historically, ancient Israelite society, like many others, had significant social stratification, including vulnerable groups like "the poor" and those who would exploit them. This verse speaks into that reality, asserting God's omnipresence and involvement in the lives of both.

Proverbs 29 13 Word analysis

• The poor man (רָשׁ - râsh): This Hebrew term denotes someone in a state of indigence, need, or poverty. It refers to their socio-economic status, not necessarily their moral character. It speaks to vulnerability and lacking material means. In ancient society, the "poor" often included the widow, orphan, and sojourner – those without natural protectors or economic stability.

• And the oppressor (וְעוֹשֵׁק - wəʿôshēq): This term signifies one who exploits, defrauds, extorts, or abuses. It is an active participle from the verb ʿāshaq, meaning to oppress, act unjustly, or deal violently. This individual actively takes advantage of others, especially the vulnerable, for personal gain or power. Their position is one of ill-gotten advantage, directly contrasting with the râsh.

• Meet together (נִפְגָּשׁ - nipgāsh): From the verb pāgaš, meaning to meet, encounter, or confront. In the Niphal (passive) stem, it suggests that they "are met" or "find themselves meeting." This isn't necessarily a cordial gathering, but an unavoidable reality of coexistence. They occupy the same space and share the same earthly realm. The nipgāsh also hints at a divine appointment or shared reality orchestrated by God.

• The Lord (יְהוָה - YHWH): This is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, frequently translated as "LORD." Its usage emphasizes God's personal involvement, His sovereignty, and His character as the one true God who acts in history. This is not a generic deity, but the specific God of Israel, the creator and sustainer of all.

• Gives sight to both (מֵאִיר עֵינֵי שְׁנֵיהֶם - ma’îr ʿênê šənêhem): Literally "causes to shine [on] the eyes of both of them."

  • Gives sight/causes to shine (מֵאִיר - ma’îr): From the root ʼôr, meaning "light" or "to shine." In the Hiphil (causative) stem, it means "to enlighten," "make bright," "give light," or "give understanding." This "sight" can be understood in multiple ways:
    • Physical sight and life: God grants the basic conditions of life to both, ensuring they see the light of day, breathe, and exist. It points to God's common grace in sustaining all humanity.
    • Opportunities/Blessings: God provides common resources or opportunities to all, such as sunshine, rain, and seasons.
    • Spiritual illumination/Understanding: God reveals truth or understanding to all, whether about His existence, moral principles, or the consequences of their actions. It's an internal understanding of truth or even a recognition of their own condition. Even an oppressor has moments of internal illumination regarding right and wrong.
    • Divine Providence/Watchfulness: God's omniscient gaze is upon them. Nothing is hidden from Him.

• Word-Group Analysis:

  • "The poor man and the oppressor meet together": This juxtaposition highlights the inescapable commonality of all humanity under God's creative and sustaining hand, despite vast differences in power, wealth, and morality. It suggests that both are equally present and observable within the societal fabric. The encounter also implies a divine overseeing of these contrasting existences.
  • "The Lord gives sight to both": This phrase underlines divine impartiality in the extension of common grace. God sustains the life and provides the basic faculties and perhaps even the opportunity for understanding to both the victim and the perpetrator. It emphasizes God's comprehensive reach and His ultimate claim over all creation. It does not imply that God condones oppression, but rather that He provides for all His creation, leaving all accountable to the light given.

Proverbs 29 13 Bonus section

The verse offers a glimpse into divine patience and common grace, even toward those who act contrary to God's will. God’s sustenance of both the poor and the oppressor illustrates that His life-giving power is impartial and precedes judgment. It challenges human assumptions that God only interacts with the "righteous." This impartiality sets the stage for future divine justice, as the very "light" given could eventually serve to convict those who misuse their given life and resources to cause harm. The meeting (nipgāsh) of these two contrasting figures often signifies points of conflict or inherent tension in human society, which God is fully aware of and over which He presides.

Proverbs 29 13 Commentary

Proverbs 29:13 is a succinct theological declaration regarding God's sovereignty and His universal relation to humanity. It observes that two distinct societal types—the indigent and the one who preys on them—share the same created existence. The verse is not a commentary on moral parity, nor does it excuse the oppressor. Rather, it underscores the truth that the very breath in their lungs, the ability to perceive and act, and the general sustenance of life itself are ultimately gifts from God (YHWH). The "sight" or "light" God provides can be interpreted broadly to include life, physical provision, awareness, or even an inherent moral consciousness. Even an oppressor receives the benefit of God's common grace, enduring and often thriving in the world God sustains. However, this common grace is distinct from saving grace. The verse implies that all human beings, whether blessed or cursed by earthly conditions, are fundamentally dependent on God for their existence and are thus accountable to Him, for none can escape His all-seeing presence. The ultimate responsibility lies with how each individual responds to the light God has given them.