Proverbs 13:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Evil chases sinners; the righteous receive goodness in return.
The Context of Proverbs 13:21
Uses parallel imagery to show that wrongdoing and righteousness each carry their own inevitable fruits.
What Does Proverbs 13:21 Mean?
Evil pursues sinners actively, relentlessly, like a hunter tracking prey. The sinner cannot escape the consequences of wrongdoing; they are stalked by their own destructive choices. The metaphor suggests that evil has momentum and inevitability—once set in motion, it catches up.
The righteous, by contrast, are followed by goodness. This is not mere luck but the natural sequel to living rightly. Goodness finds them, rewards them, and 'repays' them. The structure of the universe itself, as Proverbs describes it, favors those who live in alignment with truth and justice.
Proverbs 13:21 in the Original Language
tov (טוֹב), 'good' — comprehensive well-being, blessing, favor, prosperity
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 13:21
What does Proverbs 13:21 mean?
Evil chases sinners; the righteous receive goodness in return.
What is the context of Proverbs 13:21?
Uses parallel imagery to show that wrongdoing and righteousness each carry their own inevitable fruits.