Proverbs 24:11
Proverbs 24:11 in Multiple Translations
Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter.
If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
Deliver them that are carried away unto death, And those that are ready to be slain see that thou hold back.
Be the saviour of those who are given up to death, and do not keep back help from those who are slipping to destruction.
Rescue those who are being led away to be executed; save those who are stumbling on their way to be slaughtered.
Deliuer them that are drawen to death: wilt thou not preserue them that are led to be slaine?
If [from] delivering those taken to death, And those slipping to the slaughter — thou keepest back.
Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter!
If thou forbearest to deliver them that are drawn to death, and those that are ready to be slain;
Deliver them that are led to death: and those that are drawn to death forbear not to deliver.
If it is unjustly decided that someone must be executed, try hard to rescue them [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:11
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 24:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ֭צֵּל
לְקֻחִ֣ים
לַ/מָּ֑וֶת
וּ/מָטִ֥ים
לַ֝/הֶ֗רֶג
אִם
תַּחְשֽׂוֹךְ
הַ֭צֵּל
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
לְקֻחִ֣ים
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Inf-c
לַ/מָּ֑וֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
Prep | N-ms
וּ/מָטִ֥ים
môwṭ
H4131
to shake
Conj | V-Qal
לַ֝/הֶ֗רֶג
hereg
H2027
slaughter
Prep | N-ms
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
תַּחְשֽׂוֹךְ
châsak
H2820
to withhold
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
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 24:11
הַ֭צֵּל
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
לְקֻחִ֣ים
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לַ/מָּ֑וֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
וּ/מָטִ֥ים
môwṭ
H4131
"to shake"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to shake or waver, like something that's unstable. It appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs, to describe things that are falling apart or unstable. The KJV translates it as 'be carried' or 'fall'.
Definition: 1) to totter, shake, slip 1a) (Qal) to totter, shake, slip 1b) (Niphal) to be shaken, be moved, be overthrown 1c) (Hiphil) to dislodge, let fall, drop 1d) (Hithpael) to be greatly shaken
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, [idiom] exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip. See also: Leviticus 25:35; Psalms 62:3; Psalms 10:6.
לַ֝/הֶ֗רֶג
hereg
H2027
"slaughter"
Prep | N-ms
Slaughter, referring to the act of killing, is used to describe violent acts in the Bible, such as the slaughter of the Philistines by Samson in Judges 14. It is also used to describe the slaughter of animals for sacrifice.
Definition: a killing, slaughter
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be slain, slaughter. See also: Esther 9:5; Isaiah 27:7; Proverbs 24:11.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תַּחְשֽׂוֹךְ
châsak
H2820
"to withhold"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to withhold or restrain something. It can also mean to spare, preserve, or observe. In the Bible, it is used to describe holding back or keeping something for oneself.
Definition: 1) to withhold, restrain, hold back, keep in check, refrain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to withhold, keep back, keep for oneself, keep from, hold in check, refrain, spare, reserve 1a2) to restrain, check 1b) (Niphal) to assuage, be spared
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: assuage, [idiom] darken, forbear, hinder, hold back, keep (back), punish, refrain, reserve, spare, withhold. See also: Genesis 20:6; Job 33:18; Psalms 19:14.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:11
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:11
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:11
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:11
Context — Saying 25
9A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men.
10If you faint in the day of distress, how small is your strength!
11Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter.
12If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds? 13Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 82:4 | Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked. |
| 2 | Isaiah 58:6–7 | Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? |
| 3 | 1 John 3:16–17 | By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? |
| 4 | Job 29:17 | I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 26:8–9 | Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!” But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” |
| 6 | Luke 10:31–32 | Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side. |
| 7 | Luke 23:23–25 | But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices for Jesus to be crucified. And their clamor prevailed. So Pilate sentenced that their demand be met. As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and handed Jesus over to their will. |
| 8 | Acts 21:31–32 | While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. Immediately he took some soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. |
| 9 | Acts 23:23–35 | Then he called two of his centurions and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea in the third hour of the night. Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.” And he wrote the following letter: Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill him when I came with my troops to rescue him. For I had learned that he is a Roman citizen, and since I wanted to understand their charges against him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin. I found that the accusation involved questions about their own law, but there was no charge worthy of death or imprisonment. When I was informed that there was a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also instructed his accusers to present their case against him before you. So the soldiers followed their orders and brought Paul by night to Antipatris. The next day they returned to the barracks and let the horsemen go on with him. When the horsemen arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and presented Paul to him. The governor read the letter and asked what province Paul was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium. |
| 10 | Acts 18:17 | At this, the crowd seized Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the judgment seat. But none of this was of concern to Gallio. |
Proverbs 24:11 Summary
This verse is calling us to take action to help those who are in danger of being hurt or led astray, whether physically or spiritually. It means being willing to intervene and make a difference in someone's life, as Jesus did when He saved us from sin and death, as seen in Romans 5:8. By doing so, we can help prevent harm and bring people to a place of safety and restoration, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11. As we consider how to apply this verse, we can look to examples in the Bible, such as the good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, who showed compassion and kindness to a stranger in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to rescue those being led away to death?
This phrase refers to intervening on behalf of those who are in danger of physical or spiritual harm, as seen in Proverbs 24:11, and is in line with God's command to love our neighbors as ourselves, as stated in Leviticus 19:18 and repeated by Jesus in Matthew 22:39.
How can I know if someone is stumbling toward the slaughter?
The Bible teaches us to be discerning and to look for signs of spiritual or physical distress, such as a person's involvement in sinful or destructive behavior, and to be guided by the Holy Spirit, as promised in John 16:13, to know how to respond.
Is this verse only talking about physical death, or can it also refer to spiritual death?
While the verse may have been originally referring to physical death, the principle can also be applied to spiritual death, as seen in Ezekiel 18:23, where God desires that all people turn from sin and live, and in Jesus' teaching in John 10:10, where He describes Himself as the giver of abundant life.
What is the relationship between this verse and the surrounding verses?
The surrounding verses, such as Proverbs 24:10, which talks about fainting in the day of distress, and Proverbs 24:12, which mentions God's knowledge of our actions, provide a context for understanding the importance of taking action to rescue those in need, and highlight the consequences of not doing so, as well as the rewards of obedience, as seen in Psalms 19:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can 'rescue those being led away to death' in my daily life, and what are the potential consequences of not acting?
- How can I balance the desire to help others with the need to avoid enabling or interfering with God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 11:34?
- What are some signs that someone is 'stumbling toward the slaughter', and how can I respond in a way that is both compassionate and wise, as taught in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3?
- How does this verse relate to Jesus' teaching on loving our neighbors as ourselves, and what are some practical ways that I can demonstrate this kind of love, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46?
- What are some potential risks or challenges that I may face if I try to 'rescue those being led away to death', and how can I prepare myself to overcome them, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 3:12?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:11
If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death,.... Or "taken for or unto death" (h), in a violent way; who are taken by thieves and robbers, and used in a barbarous manner, as the man
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:11
If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou forbear to deliver (them that are) drawn unto death, and (those that are) ready to be
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:11
To deliver them, when it is in thy power to do it lawfully. Drawn unto death, to wit, unjustly, or by the violence of lawless men. That are ready to be slain; that are in present danger of death or destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:11
Proverbs 24:11 If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;Ver. 11. If thou forbear to deliver them, &c.] That is, That are wrongfully butchered. Here, not to save a man, if it be in our power, is to destroy him. Job "brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the prey out of his teeth." The people rescued Jonathan, and Ebedmelech Jeremiah. Henry VIII delivered his Queen Katherine, and King Philip with his Spaniards kept the Lady Elizabeth from the cruel mercies of Stephen Gardiner, who had designed them destruction. Sir George Blage (one of King Henry VIII’ s privy chamber), being condemned for a heretic, was yet pardoned by the king. He coming afterwards to the king’ s presence, - "Ah, my pig," saith the king, for so he was wont to call him. "Yea," said he, "if your Majesty had not been better to me than your bishops were, your pig had been roasted ere this time." But what a bloody mind bore Harpsfield, archdeacon of Canterbury, who, being at London when Queen Mary lay dying, made all post haste home to despatch those whom he had then in cruel custody. Acts and Mon., fol. 1899, 1135, 1862.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:11
(11) If thou forbear . . .—Rather, Deliver those that are taken to death, and those that are tottering to the slaughter, stop them!
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:11
Verse 11. If thou forbear to deliver] If thou seest the innocent taken by the hand of lawless power or superstitious zeal, and they are about to be put to death, thou shouldst rise up in their behalf, boldly plead for them, testify to their innocence when thou knowest it; and thus thou wilt not be guilty of blood; which thou wouldst be, if, through any pretense, thou shouldst neglect to save the life of a man unjustly condemned.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:11
11. drawn unto death … ready to be slain] whether by unjust judgement, or by violence. In the first case you may deliver a soul by giving true witness (Proverbs 14:25), in the second, by not passing by like the priest and the Levite on the other side, but by rendering help with the good Samaritan. It is better to take this verse as complete in itself, with LXX. (ῥῦσαιἀγομένουςεἰςθάνατον, καὶἐκπρίουκτεινομένους, μὴφείσῃ); Vulg., Erue eos qui ducuntur ad mortem; et qui trahuntur ad interitum liberare necesses; and with R.V. Deliver them that are carried away unto death, And those that are ready to be slain see that thou hold back. ready to be slain] Lit. tottering to the slaughter.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:11
Literally: “Deliver those that are drawn unto death, And those who totter to the slaughter - if Thou withdraw ...” i. e., “O withdraw them,” save them from their doom; in contrast to Proverbs 24:10.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:11
11, 12. If thou forbear to deliver… his works — Muenscher’s translation and note are: “Dost thou forbear to deliver [those who are] led away to death, and those who are tottering to the slaughter?
Sermons on Proverbs 24:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Be Sure, Your Sin Will Find You Out by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors. He shares the story of a man who questioned who his neighbor was, |
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Evolution - Foundation for the Antichrist 1 by Kent Hovind | This sermon delves into the dangerous implications of evolution as a foundation for ideologies like racism, genocide, and totalitarianism. It explores how influential figures like |
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God's Wrath and His Love by Steve Hill | This sermon delves into a courtroom battle where the verdict is about to be delivered, highlighting the consequences of sin and the need for God's mercy through the blood of Jesus. |
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World Missionary Press by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine ministry that is focused on seeking God's honor above all else. It highlights the privilege, not burden, of investing in ministry a |
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Rope Wanted (Audio Restored) by William Booth | In the sermon transcript, the speaker tells the story of Mary, a woman who risked her life to save children from drowning in a city near the Mexican Gulf. Despite warnings from her |
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Babies Are Murdered Here (Documentary Trailer) by Jon Speed | This sermon addresses the issue of abortion as a curse and judgment on the nation, questioning the silence and inaction of the church in the face of innocent lives being taken. It |
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Our World and Our Wealth by John D Martin by John D. Martin | This sermon emphasizes the importance of sacrificial giving and extravagant compassion towards those in need, highlighting the dangers of materialism and the call to use resources |