Proverbs 21:27

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with evil intent!

Proverbs 21:27 in Other Translations

KJV
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
ESV
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
NLT
27 The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.
MSG
27 Religious performance by the wicked stinks; it's even worse when they use it to get ahead.
CSB
27 The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable- how much more so when he brings it with ulterior motives!

Proverbs 21:27 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:27

The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination
That is, to the Lord, as in ( Proverbs 15:8 ) ; and as it is here added in the Septuagint and Arabic versions; how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
the Arabic version is, "with a mind alien from the law"; or when it is not brought according to law; when it is a corrupt thing, that which is torn, lame, or sick, or robbery for burnt sacrifice; when it is done with an evil intention, to cover sin, to atone for without repenting of it or forsaking it; that they may go on in sin with impunity, and be allowed to commit it; for which cause Balak and Balsam offered sacrifices, which is the instance Jarchi produces; and indeed every religious action not done in faith, and love, and sincerity, and with a view to the glory of God, but in hypocrisy and with selfish views, in order to procure acceptance with God and justification in his sight; setting aside the righteousness, sacrifice, and satisfaction of the son of God, is done with a wicked mind, and is an abomination to the Lord. Some render it, "even though he brings it diligently", or "with great art and skill" F9; is constant at his devotion, and carries it so artfully, and with such a show of religion, as to deceive men, yet he cannot deceive the Lord.


FOOTNOTES:

F9 (hmzb) "solerter", De Dieu.

Proverbs 21:27 In-Context

25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with evil intent!
28 A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.
29 The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S 1 Kings 14:24; Isaiah 66:3; Jeremiah 6:20; Amos 5:22
  • 2. S Proverbs 15:8
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