What Does Proverbs 16:29 Mean in the King James?

A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
Proverbs 16:29 · KJV
The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

This verse in the Selah Decoded Version

Violence can spread through persuasion: it draws a neighbor in, then turns his steps toward harm.

A violent person entices someone nearby and leads him along a harmful path. The danger lies both in the violence and in the invitation that draws another person into its course.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

The belief that a familiar neighbor’s invitation must be safe dissolves here: closeness can become the means by which someone is drawn toward harm.

יְפַתֶּה

yepatteh from pātâ

GROWS FROM

פתה

To persuade or entice; the root also describes being simple or readily persuaded.

“enticeth” in this verse is yepatteh from pātâ. The word belongs to the same root as ⁨פֶּתִי⁩ (peti), meaning a simple or inexperienced person. English can make enticement sound like a passing temptation, but this root connects it to gaining influence over someone who is open to persuasion, and the next words show that influence directing his steps.

ALSO GROWS

peti: A simple or inexperienced person.

פֶּתִי

This branch reveals the vulnerability enticement works through: the neighbor can be drawn in because he is open to persuasion.

pittuy: Enticement or seduction.

פִּתּוּי

This related noun makes the act of persuasion visible as the means by which violence draws another person into its course.

A destructive path often begins when persuasion draws someone into taking the first step.

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
Proverbs 1:10 · KJVThe same enticement root names the invitation before it becomes a path.
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
1 Corinthians 15:33 · KJVThe verse shows how influence from others can change the course of a person’s conduct.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Psalm 1:1 · KJVThe sequence of walking, standing, and sitting shows a person becoming increasingly settled in a path shaped by others.
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
Proverbs 1:10 · KJV

The verb “entice” in both verses comes from ⁨פתה⁩ (pātâ), meaning to persuade or entice. Proverbs 1:10 names the invitation; Proverbs 16:29 shows persuasion carrying someone onward into a harmful way.

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Proverbs 16:29 KJV Meaning