Proverbs 1:18
Proverbs 1:18 in Multiple Translations
But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives.
And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
And these lay wait for their own blood; They lurk privily for their own lives.
And they are secretly waiting for their blood and making ready destruction for themselves.
However, these evil people hide ready to kill others, but they themselves are the victims. They're only ambushing themselves!
So they lay waite for blood and lie priuily for their liues.
And they for their own blood lay wait, They watch secretly for their own lives.
but these lay in wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives.
And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
And they themselves lie in wait for their own blood, and practise deceits against their own souls.
But those wicked people are not like the birds, because they do not realize that when they prepare to ambush someone to kill him, they will be killed themselves!
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 1:18
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 1:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ֭/הֵם
לְ/דָמָ֣/ם
יֶאֱרֹ֑בוּ
יִ֝צְפְּנ֗וּ
לְ/נַפְשֹׁתָֽ/ם
וְ֭/הֵם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
לְ/דָמָ֣/ם
dâm
H1818
blood
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יֶאֱרֹ֑בוּ
ʼârab
H693
to ambush
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
יִ֝צְפְּנ֗וּ
tsâphan
H6845
to treasure
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לְ/נַפְשֹׁתָֽ/ם
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 1:18
וְ֭/הֵם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
לְ/דָמָ֣/ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
יֶאֱרֹ֑בוּ
ʼârab
H693
"to ambush"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to lie in wait or ambush someone, often used to describe a surprise attack. It is used in the Bible to talk about people who are hiding and waiting to attack. The word can also mean to lay a trap for someone.
Definition: 1) to lie in wait, ambush, lurk 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie in wait 1a2) ambush (participle as subst) 1b) (Piel) ambushers, liers-in-wait (pl. participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to lay an ambush
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie in) wait. See also: Deuteronomy 19:11; Judges 20:38; Psalms 10:9.
יִ֝צְפְּנ֗וּ
tsâphan
H6845
"to treasure"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To treasure means to hide or store something valuable, like the treasures stored in the temple in 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to hide, treasure, treasure or store up 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to hide, treasure, treasure up 1a2) to lie hidden, lurk 1b) (Niphal) to be hidden, be stored up 1c) (Hiphil) to hide, hide from discovery
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: esteem, hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place). See also: Exodus 2:2; Psalms 31:21; Psalms 10:8.
לְ/נַפְשֹׁתָֽ/ם
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Proverbs 1:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 1:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 1:18
Context — The Enticement of Sin
16For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.
17How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it!
18But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives.
19Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors. 20Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 9:16 | The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah |
| 2 | Esther 7:10 | So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided. |
| 3 | Proverbs 5:22–23 | The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him. He dies for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. |
| 4 | Proverbs 28:17 | A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him. |
| 5 | Matthew 27:4–5 | “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. |
| 6 | Psalms 7:14–16 | Behold, the wicked man travails with evil; he conceives trouble and births falsehood. He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head. |
| 7 | Psalms 55:23 | But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You. |
| 8 | Proverbs 9:17–18 | “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is tasty!” But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol. |
Proverbs 1:18 Summary
[This verse means that when people try to hurt others, they often end up hurting themselves instead, as seen in the context of Proverbs 1:16-19. It's like setting a trap for someone else, but ending up getting caught in it yourself, a concept also seen in Obadiah 1:15. By seeking to do evil, we can actually bring about our own downfall, which is why it's so important to seek God's wisdom and guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:20 and James 1:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'lie in wait for their own blood' in Proverbs 1:18?
This phrase means that those who plot evil against others are ultimately bringing harm to themselves, as seen in the context of Proverbs 1:16-19, where their actions lead to their own downfall, a principle also echoed in Galatians 6:7-8.
How can someone 'ambush their own lives' as mentioned in this verse?
When individuals pursue evil and unjust gain, they are essentially setting themselves up for failure and destruction, as warned in Proverbs 1:19, and this self-destruction can be seen as a form of ambushing their own lives, similar to the concept in Deuteronomy 28:43 where the consequence of disobedience leads to self-destruction.
Is this verse suggesting that evil people will always be punished?
While Proverbs 1:18 does indicate that those who engage in evil will face negative consequences, it's essential to remember that the Bible also teaches about God's mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Romans 3:23-24 and 1 John 1:9, emphasizing the importance of repentance and seeking God's forgiveness.
How does this verse relate to the concept of wisdom in the book of Proverbs?
Proverbs 1:18 serves as a warning against foolish and evil behavior, which is a central theme throughout the book of Proverbs, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom, as emphasized in Proverbs 1:20, where wisdom calls out to those who will listen and follow her guidance.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be 'lying in wait' for my own spiritual downfall, and how can I seek God's help to avoid these pitfalls?
- How can I apply the principle of Proverbs 1:18 to my own life, recognizing the potential consequences of my actions and choices?
- In what ways do I see the concept of 'ambushing one's own life' played out in the world around me, and how can I use this as an opportunity to share the message of hope and redemption in Jesus Christ?
- What are some practical steps I can take to prioritize seeking wisdom and following God's guidance, rather than pursuing evil or selfish desires?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:18
And they lay wait for their [own] blood,.... While they lie in wait for the blood of others, they lie in wait for their own; and when they shed the blood of innocent persons, it in the issue comes
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:18
And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. And they lay wait for their (own) blood; they lurk privily for their (own) lives.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:18
And, or but, or yet, or so; for all these ways this particle is used; which is more fully expressed in the next verse. They lay wait for their own blood; the destruction which they design to others falls upon themselves. Their blood answers to their feet, , and belongs to the same persons.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:18
Proverbs 1:18 And they lay wait for their [own] blood; they lurk privily for their [own] lives.Ver. 18. And they lay wait.] Their sin will surely find them out. "No doubt this man is a murderer," said those barbarians, "whom though he had escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live." "Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth." Murder ever bleeds fresh in the eye of God; to him many years, yea, that eternity that is past, is but yesterday. Nemo noquitiam gerit in pectore, qui non idem Nemesin in tergo.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:18
(18) And they lay wait.—Yet they cannot see that in truth they are laying wait, not for the innocent, but for themselves, as God will deliver him, and bring the mischief they designed for him upon their own head.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:18
Verse 18. They lay wait for their own blood] I believe it is the innocent who are spoken of here, for whose blood and lives these lay wait and lurk privily; certainly not their own, by any mode of construction.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:18
17, 18. Surely in vain the net is spread — Meaning, I have warned you against their devices. I have uncovered the snares to your sight, and you surely will not be more foolish than the thoughtless bird.
Sermons on Proverbs 1:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 17 by William Gurnall | William Gurnall preaches about the importance of praying 'in the Spirit,' highlighting the need to pray with both the spirit of the person praying and the Spirit of God. He emphasi |
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Memoirs of the Revivalist by Robert Wurtz II | In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful testimony of a man who was transformed by God. The man had previously come with a gun to harm the preacher, but after encountering Go |
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The Terror of the Lord by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the duality of God's nature, highlighting that while He is rich in mercy, He is equally terrible in wrath. The sermon underscores the importance of |
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Homily 12 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the story of Ananias and Sapphira, highlighting the severity of their sin of sacrilege and deception, leading to their tragic deaths as a result of thei |
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Turning the Tide of Lawlessness by Derek Melton | Derek Melton emphasizes the importance of the 'fear of the Lord' in combating the darkness and sin prevalent in society, highlighting how fear leads to obedience and ultimately wis |
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Questions/answers on the Interpretation of Old Testament Scriptures by James Blaine Chapman | James Blaine Chapman addresses various questions from the Bible, shedding light on misunderstood passages and providing insightful explanations. From Noah's unintentional vice to t |
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A Great Nothing by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that worldly honor and glory are ultimately meaningless, describing them as mere illusions and shadows that lead one away from true fulfillment. He illustr |