Proverbs 29:13
New International Version
The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

New Living Translation
The poor and the oppressor have this in common— the LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

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

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

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

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

New American Standard Bible
The poor person and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

NASB 1995
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

NASB 1977
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

Legacy Standard Bible
The poor man and the oppressor meet together in this— Yahweh gives light to the eyes of both.

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

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

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

American Standard Version
The poor man and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.

Contemporary English Version
The poor and all who abuse them must each depend on God for light.

English Revised Version
The poor man and the oppressor meet together: the LORD lighteneth the eyes of them both.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A poor person and an oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives both of them sight.

Good News Translation
A poor person and his oppressor have this in common--the LORD gave eyes to both of them.

International Standard Version
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: the LORD gave them both eyes with which to see.

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

NET Bible
The poor person and the oppressor have this in common: the LORD gives light to the eyes of them both.

New Heart English Bible
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.

Webster's Bible Translation
The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD enlighteneth both their eyes.

World English Bible
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The poor and the man of frauds have met together, "" YHWH is enlightening the eyes of them both.

Young's Literal Translation
The poor and the man of frauds have met together, Jehovah is enlightening the eyes of them both.

Smith's Literal Translation
The poor one and the man of oppressions met together: Jehovah enlightening the eyes of them both.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The poor man and the creditor have met one another: the Lord is the enlightener of them both.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The pauper and the creditor have met one another. The Lord is the illuminator of them both.

New American Bible
The poor and the oppressor meet: the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.

New Revised Standard Version
The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The poor man and the oppressor meet together, and the LORD lightens the eyes of both.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The poor and the oppressor have met each other, and LORD JEHOVAH enlightens the eyes of both.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The poor man and the oppressor meet together; The LORD giveth light to the eyes of them both.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
When the creditor and debtor meet together, the Lord oversees them both.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed
12If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked. 13The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both. 14A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever.…

Cross References
Job 34:19
who is not partial to princes and does not favor rich over poor? For they are all the work of His hands.

Psalm 145:9
The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made.

Matthew 5:45
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Acts 17:25
Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.

Ecclesiastes 9:2
It is the same for all: There is a common fate for the righteous and the wicked, for the good and the bad, for the clean and the unclean, for the one who sacrifices and the one who does not. As it is for the good, so it is for the sinner; as it is for the one who makes a vow, so it is for the one who refuses to take a vow.

Romans 2:11
For God does not show favoritism.

1 Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.

Isaiah 42:5
This is what God the LORD says—He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and life to those who walk in it:

2 Corinthians 9:10
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.

Genesis 1:27
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe.

1 Samuel 2:7-8
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.

Psalm 33:13-15
The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. / From His dwelling place He gazes on all who inhabit the earth. / He shapes the hearts of each; He considers all their works.


Treasury of Scripture

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

the deceitful man or usurer

Matthew 9:9
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

1 Corinthians 6:10
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

meet

Proverbs 22:2
The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

Exodus 22:25,26
If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury…

Leviticus 25:35-37
And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee…

lord

Psalm 13:3
Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

Matthew 5:45
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Ephesians 2:1
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Jump to Previous
Common Creditor Deceitful Enlighteneth Enlightening Equally Eyes Face Frauds Gives Indigent Meet Met Oppressor Poor Sight Together
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Common Creditor Deceitful Enlighteneth Enlightening Equally Eyes Face Frauds Gives Indigent Meet Met Oppressor Poor Sight Together
Proverbs 29
1. observations of public government
15. and of private
22. Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice and corruption














The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
This phrase highlights the shared humanity between two seemingly opposite figures in society: the poor man and the oppressor. In biblical times, poverty was widespread, and the poor often faced exploitation by those in power. The oppressor, often a figure of authority or wealth, would typically use their position to dominate or exploit the less fortunate. Despite their differences, this proverb emphasizes a fundamental equality before God. This theme is echoed in other scriptures, such as Job 31:15, which reminds us that God made both the rich and the poor. The idea of commonality between different social classes is a recurring theme in the Bible, underscoring the belief that all humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
This part of the verse suggests that God is the source of life and understanding for all people, regardless of their social status. The "light to the eyes" can be interpreted as both physical sight and spiritual insight. In a broader biblical context, light often symbolizes knowledge, truth, and divine revelation (Psalm 119:105). This phrase implies that God provides the ability to perceive and understand the world, offering guidance and wisdom to everyone. It reflects the idea that God's grace and provision are available to all, as seen in Matthew 5:45, where God causes the sun to rise on both the evil and the good. This universal provision points to the impartiality of God and His desire for all to come to the knowledge of truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Poor Man
Represents those who are economically disadvantaged or marginalized in society. In biblical times, the poor often relied on the generosity and justice of others for survival.

2. The Oppressor
Refers to individuals or groups who exploit or unjustly treat others, often using their power or wealth to dominate or control.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate source of life and justice. He is depicted as the one who provides light and understanding to all people, regardless of their social status.
Teaching Points
Equality Before God
Despite social or economic differences, all people are equal in the eyes of God. He provides the same basic gift of life and understanding to both the poor and the oppressor.

Divine Justice and Mercy
God's provision of light to both the poor and the oppressor highlights His justice and mercy. It serves as a reminder that God’s grace is available to all, and His justice will ultimately prevail.

Responsibility of the Oppressor
Those in positions of power should recognize that their ability to see and understand comes from God. This should lead to humility and a commitment to justice and righteousness.

Hope for the Poor
The poor can find hope in knowing that God sees them and provides for them. They are not forgotten, and their plight is known to the Lord who gives light to their eyes.

Call to Action for Believers
Christians are called to reflect God's light in the world by advocating for justice, helping the poor, and challenging oppression wherever it is found.(13) The poor and the deceitful man (rather, oppressor) meet together.--A variation of Proverbs 22:2, on which see note.

The Lord lighteneth both their eyes.--Enlightens the eyes of both with the light of life (Psalm 13:4). To Him each owes life, so the one may remember that life with its sorrows will have an end, and the other, that He will take stern vengeance for oppression.

Verse 13. - A variation of Proverbs 22:2. The deceitful man. This makes no contrast with the poor. "The man of oppressions" (tekakim) is the usurer, from whom the poor suffer most wrong and cruelty. The needy man and the rich lender are thrown together in social life. St. Jerome calls them pauper et creditor. Septuagint, "When the creditor and debtor meet together, the Lord maketh inspection (ἐπσκοπὴν) of both." The Lord lighteneth both their eyes. Both rich and poor, the oppressor and the oppressed, owe their light and life to God; he makes the sun to rise on the evil and on the good; he sends rain on the just and the unjust; he is the Father, Ruler, and Judge of all. Here is comfort for the poor, that he has a tender Father who watches over him; here is a warning for the rich, that he will have to give an account of his stewardship. The former proverb spoke only generally of God being the Maker of both (comp. Psalm 13:8; Ecclesiastes 11:7).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The poor man
רָ֤שׁ (rāš)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7326: To be in want or poor

and the oppressor
וְאִ֣ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

have this in common:
נִפְגָּ֑שׁוּ (nip̄·gā·šū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6298: To come in contact with, to concur

The LORD
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

gives light
מֵ֤אִיר־ (mê·’îr-)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 215: To be or become light

to the eyes
עֵינֵ֖י (‘ê·nê)
Noun - cdc
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

of both.
שְׁנֵיהֶ֣ם (šə·nê·hem)
Number - mdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:13 The poor man and the oppressor have (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 29:12
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