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;

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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
The Hebrew word for "poor" here is "רָשׁ" (rash), which refers to someone who is destitute or lacking in material wealth. In the ancient Near Eastern context, poverty was often seen as a state of vulnerability and dependence. The Bible frequently emphasizes God's concern for the poor, highlighting His justice and mercy. This phrase reminds us that poverty is not a barrier to God's presence or His provision. The poor are often depicted as having a special place in God's heart, and their reliance on Him can be a powerful testimony of faith.

and the oppressor
The term "oppressor" is translated from the Hebrew word "תּוֹכֵן" (tokhen), which can mean someone who is deceitful or who exploits others. In biblical times, oppressors were often those in positions of power who took advantage of the vulnerable. This phrase serves as a stark contrast to the "poor man," highlighting the moral and ethical divide between those who suffer and those who cause suffering. Yet, it also sets the stage for the profound truth that follows, showing that despite their differences, both are under God's sovereign watch.

have this in common
This phrase underscores a shared reality between two seemingly disparate groups. It suggests a fundamental equality before God, regardless of social or economic status. In a world often divided by wealth and power, this commonality points to the universal nature of God's creation and His impartiality. It is a reminder that all humans, regardless of their earthly circumstances, are created in the image of God and are subject to His divine authority and care.

The LORD
The use of "The LORD" here is significant, as it refers to "Yahweh," the covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible. This name emphasizes God's eternal presence, faithfulness, and His relationship with His people. It is a reminder that the same God who delivered Israel from Egypt and established His covenant with them is the one who oversees the lives of both the poor and the oppressor. His sovereignty and justice are central to understanding this verse.

gives light to the eyes of both
The phrase "gives light to the eyes" is a metaphor for life and understanding. In Hebrew, "אוֹר" (or) means light, and it often symbolizes knowledge, wisdom, and divine revelation. This phrase suggests that God is the source of life and enlightenment for all people, regardless of their status. It implies that both the poor and the oppressor are sustained by God's grace and are given the ability to perceive and understand the world. This divine illumination is a gift that transcends human distinctions and calls all people to recognize their dependence on God. It is a powerful reminder of God's omnipresence and His desire for all to come to the knowledge of truth.

(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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