Proverbs 11:7 Meaning and Explanation
“When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When the wicked die, all they hoped for dies with them; their schemes come to nothing.
The Context of Proverbs 11:7
The ultimate futility of unrighteousness.
What Does Proverbs 11:7 Mean?
The wicked person bases hope on schemes, gain, and the satisfaction of desires. When death comes, these hopes die too—there is no carrying forward of plans or continuing the pursuit of the goals that animated a life lived unjustly.
This proverb speaks to the futility of hope built on injustice. Unlike those who build on righteousness and character, the unjust have nothing that extends beyond their own lifespan or survives their downfall.
Proverbs 11:7 in the Original Language
vigvah (וִגְוַה), 'hope/expectation' — often refers to trust in what is promised or anticipated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 11:7
What does Proverbs 11:7 mean?
When the wicked die, all they hoped for dies with them; their schemes come to nothing.
What is the context of Proverbs 11:7?
The ultimate futility of unrighteousness.