Proverbs 1:12
Proverbs 1:12 in Multiple Translations
let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit.
Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
Let us swallow them up alive as Sheol, And whole, as those that go down into the pit;
Let us overcome them living, like the underworld, and in their strength, as those who go down to death;
Let's bury them alive; let's put them in the grave while they're still healthy!
We wil swallow them vp aliue like a graue euen whole, as those that goe downe into the pit:
We swallow them as Sheol — alive, And whole — as those going down [to] the pit,
Let’s swallow them up alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down into the pit.
Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
Let us swallow him up alive like hell, and whole as one that goeth down into the pit.
We will kill them [HYP] and get rid of them completely, just like people who are buried in graves are gone forever. While they are in good health, we will send them to the place where dead people are.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 1:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 1:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נִ֭בְלָעֵ/ם
כִּ/שְׁא֣וֹל
חַיִּ֑ים
וּ֝/תְמִימִ֗ים
כְּ/י֣וֹרְדֵי
בֽוֹר
נִ֭בְלָעֵ/ם
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
V-Qal-1cp | Suff
כִּ/שְׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
hell
Prep | N-proper
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
וּ֝/תְמִימִ֗ים
tâmîym
H8549
unblemished
Conj | Adj
כְּ/י֣וֹרְדֵי
yârad
H3381
to go down
Prep | V-Qal
בֽוֹר
bôwr
H953
pit
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 1:12
נִ֭בְלָעֵ/ם
bâlaʻ
H1104
"to swallow up"
V-Qal-1cp | Suff
This word means to swallow or destroy something completely. It can be used to describe something being eaten up or destroyed, like in a natural disaster or a strong storm. The Bible uses it to convey total destruction.
Definition: 1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swallow down 1a2) to swallow up, engulf 1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to swallow 1c2) to swallow up, engulf 1c3) squandering (fig.) 1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up 1e) (Hithpael) to be ended
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up). See also: Genesis 41:7; Psalms 106:17; Psalms 21:10.
כִּ/שְׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
"hell"
Prep | N-proper
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וּ֝/תְמִימִ֗ים
tâmîym
H8549
"unblemished"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means unblemished or perfect, like an animal without defects. It describes something or someone that is whole and complete, like the sacrifices in Leviticus. It is used to describe integrity and truth.
Definition: : unblemished/perfect 1) complete, whole, entire, sound 1a) complete, whole, entire 1b) whole, sound, healthful 1c) complete, entire (of time) 1d) sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity 1e) what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (neuter adj/subst)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole. See also: Genesis 6:9; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalms 15:2.
כְּ/י֣וֹרְדֵי
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Prep | V-Qal
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
בֽוֹר
bôwr
H953
"pit"
N-ms
This word refers to a cistern or pit, often used to hold water or as a prison. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of confinement, like a dungeon or well. It is a physical hole in the ground.
Definition: pit, well, cistern, dungeon, pit of the grave
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well. See also: Genesis 37:20; Proverbs 5:15; Psalms 7:16.
Study Notes — Proverbs 1:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 1:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:12
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 1:12
Context — The Enticement of Sin
10My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them.
11If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause,
12let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit.
13We will find all manner of precious goods; we will fill our houses with plunder. 14Throw in your lot with us; let us all share one purse”—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 124:3 | when their anger flared against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, |
| 2 | Psalms 28:1 | To You, O LORD, I call; be not deaf to me, O my Rock. For if You remain silent, I will be like those descending to the Pit. |
| 3 | Romans 3:13 | “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” |
| 4 | Micah 3:2–3 | You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.” |
| 5 | Psalms 57:3 | He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth. |
| 6 | Psalms 35:25 | Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, just what we wanted!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up!” |
| 7 | Lamentations 2:16 | All your enemies open their mouths against you. They hiss and gnash their teeth, saying, “We have swallowed her up. This is the day for which we have waited. We have lived to see it!” |
| 8 | Psalms 5:9 | For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 51:34 | “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has devoured me; he has crushed me. He has set me aside like an empty vessel; he has swallowed me like a monster; he filled his belly with my delicacies and vomited me out. |
| 10 | Lamentations 2:5 | The Lord is like an enemy; He has swallowed up Israel. He has swallowed up all her palaces and destroyed her strongholds. He has multiplied mourning and lamentation for the Daughter of Judah. |
Proverbs 1:12 Summary
This verse is talking about how some people want to hurt and destroy others, like a big hole swallowing them up. It's like when someone tries to get you to do something bad, and it can seem fun or exciting at first, but it can lead to big trouble, as seen in Proverbs 1:10-11. We need to be careful who we hang out with and what we do, and try to follow God's way, which is the path of righteousness, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:20 and Psalm 119:105. By choosing to follow God's way, we can avoid the dangers of sin and find wisdom and guidance, as promised in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 119:97-100.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'swallow them alive like Sheol' in Proverbs 1:12?
This phrase is a metaphor for the destructive and devouring nature of sin, where the wicked seek to consume and destroy the innocent, much like the grave consumes the dead, as seen in Psalm 55:23 and Isaiah 5:14.
How does this verse relate to the temptation to sin described in the surrounding verses?
Proverbs 1:12 is part of a larger temptation scenario, where sinners entice the innocent to join them in their evil plans, as described in Proverbs 1:10-11, and the goal is to lead them away from righteousness, as warned in Proverbs 1:10 and 1 Corinthians 15:33.
What is the 'Pit' referred to in this verse?
The 'Pit' is likely a reference to the grave or the place of the dead, similar to Sheol, emphasizing the idea that the wicked seek to destroy the innocent completely, as seen in Numbers 16:30-33 and Job 17:16.
How can we apply the warning of this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this warning by being cautious of the company we keep and the influences we allow in our lives, as warned in Proverbs 22:24-25 and 1 Corinthians 15:33, and seeking to follow the path of righteousness, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:20 and Psalm 119:105.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be tempted to 'swallow' or consume others, whether through gossip, criticism, or other forms of harm?
- How can I recognize and resist the temptation to join in with those who seek to do evil, and instead choose the path of righteousness?
- In what ways can I be a positive influence on those around me, and help to lead them away from the 'Pit' of sin and destruction?
- What are some practical steps I can take to surround myself with godly influences and to seek wisdom and guidance from Scripture, such as Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 119:97-100?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:12
Let us swallow them up alive as the grave,.... The innocent person, and those that are with him, his servants; our gang is so numerous that we can very easily dispatch him and all his attendants, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:12
Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit - so as to leave no
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:12
As the grave; which speedily covers and consumes dead bodies. See 124:3. We shall do our work quickly, easily, and without fear of discovery. Into the pit; into some deep pit, into which a traveller falls unawares, and is utterly lost, and never discovered.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:12
Proverbs 1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:Ver. 12. Let us swallow them up alive.] As the devil doth. Homo homini demon. The poor Indians have been heard to say, it had been better that their country had been given to the devils of hell than to the Spaniards; and that if the cruel Spaniards go to heaven when they die, they, for their parts, desire not to come there.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:12
(12) Alive.—Comp. the death of Dathan and Abiram (Numbers 16:30).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:12
Verse 12. Let us swallow them up alive] Give them as hasty a death as if the earth were suddenly to swallow them up. This seems to refer to the destruction of a whole village. Let us destroy man, woman, and child; and then we may seize on and carry away the whole of their property, and the booty will be great.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:12
12. the grave] or, Sheol, R.V. text, ᾅδης LXX., infernus Vulg. whole] Some (as R.V. marg. even the perfect) give the Heb. word here the moral sense, which it has elsewhere. But both the parallelism and the force are better preserved by the rendering of A.V. and R.V. text. Let us make away with them in a moment in the full vigour of life, as though Hades should open her mouth and swallow them up (comp. Numbers 16:30; Numbers 16:33): yea, let us sweep them from the earth in perfect soundness, as completely as those who go down to the grave are swallowed up by it. The LXX. give a different turn (paraphrase, not translation) to the 2nd clause, ἄρωμεναὐτοῦτὴνμνήμηνἐκγῆς, let us take away the remembrance of him from the earth, as though by whole they understood, wholly, leaving not the memory of him behind.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:12
i. e., “We will be as all-devouring as Sheol. The destruction of those we attack shall be as sudden as that of those who go down quickly into the pit.” Some render the latter clause, and upright men
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:12
12. Swallow… as the grave — ëùׁ ?àåì, (kishol,) “like hell,” hades, orcus, the underworld, a favourite expression of bloodthirsty men in all ages. (See Excursus on Sheol, p.
Sermons on Proverbs 1:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Exposition on Psalm 125 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the importance of not fixing our gaze on worldly prosperity but on God, warning against pride and hardness of heart. He emphasizes the eternal stability o |
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Passion Prayer by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of a family vacation where they faced a perilous situation with their van breaking down. The speaker emphasizes the importance o |
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When Heaven Is Silent by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the challenging experience of silence from heaven during prayer, emphasizing that it can be a time of instruction, conviction, and character building. He en |
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Ask the Hard Questions by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the necessity of asking hard questions in our spiritual lives, drawing from Psalms 28, 29, and 30. He highlights the importance of meditating on God's Word |
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The Stone of Salvation or Destruction by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar explores the multifaceted significance of the 'stone' in Matthew 21:44, emphasizing its role as a symbol of Christ. He discusses how this stone represents rejection, |
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Be Thou Perfect! by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes God's call to Abraham to 'walk before Me, and be thou perfect,' highlighting the importance of whole-hearted devotion to God. He reflects on the long silence |
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Psalm 28 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the power of earnest prayer leading to exulting praise. He emphasizes the importance of unwavering prayer, reminding believers to continuously seek God's grac |