Proverbs 1:11
Proverbs 1:11 in Multiple Translations
If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause,
If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
If they say, Come with us, Let us lay wait for blood; Let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause;
If they say, Come with us; let us make designs against the good, waiting secretly for the upright, without cause;
They may tell you, “Come with us. Let's go and hide, ready to kill someone. Let's ambush someone for fun!
If they say, Come with vs, we will lay waite for blood, and lie priuilie for the innocent without a cause:
If they say, 'Come with us, we lay wait for blood, We watch secretly for the innocent without cause,
If they say, “Come with us. Let’s lie in wait for blood. Let’s lurk secretly for the innocent without cause.
If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
If they shall say: Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us hide snares for the innocent without cause:
They may say, “Come with us! Join us! We will hide and then kill [MTY] someone who passes by. We will ambush some helpless/innocent people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 1:11
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 1:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
יֹאמְרוּ֮
לְכָ֪/ה
אִ֫תָּ֥/נוּ
נֶאֶרְבָ֥ה
לְ/דָ֑ם
נִצְפְּנָ֖ה
לְ/נָקִ֣י
חִנָּֽם
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יֹאמְרוּ֮
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לְכָ֪/ה
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
אִ֫תָּ֥/נוּ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
נֶאֶרְבָ֥ה
ʼârab
H693
to ambush
V-Qal-1cp
לְ/דָ֑ם
dâm
H1818
blood
Prep | N-ms
נִצְפְּנָ֖ה
tsâphan
H6845
to treasure
V-Qal-1cp
לְ/נָקִ֣י
nâqîy
H5355
innocent
Prep | Adj
חִנָּֽם
chinnâm
H2600
for nothing
Adv
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 1:11
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.
יֹאמְרוּ֮
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לְכָ֪/ה
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אִ֫תָּ֥/נוּ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
נֶאֶרְבָ֥ה
ʼârab
H693
"to ambush"
V-Qal-1cp
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.
לְ/דָ֑ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
Prep | N-ms
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.
נִצְפְּנָ֖ה
tsâphan
H6845
"to treasure"
V-Qal-1cp
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/נָקִ֣י
nâqîy
H5355
"innocent"
Prep | Adj
Innocent or guiltless, this word is used to describe someone who is morally clean or free from blame, such as Noah in Genesis 6:9. It emphasizes a person's integrity and moral purity.
Definition: 1) clean, free from, exempt, clear, innocent 1a) free from guilt, clean, innocent 1b) free from punishment 1c) free or exempt from obligations Also means: na.qi (נָקִיא "innocent" H5355B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blameless, clean, clear, exempted, free, guiltless, innocent, quit. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 9:23; Psalms 10:8.
חִנָּֽם
chinnâm
H2600
"for nothing"
Adv
For nothing means something is done without a reason or cost. It can also mean something is done in vain or without purpose. This concept is seen in various Bible stories and teachings.
Definition: 1) freely, for nothing, without cause 1a) gratis, gratuitously, for nothing 1b) for no purpose, in vain 1c) gratuitously, without cause, undeservedly
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. See also: Genesis 29:15; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 1:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 1:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:11
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:11
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:11
- Sermons on Proverbs 1:11
Context — The Enticement of Sin
9For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 5:26 | For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men. |
| 2 | Proverbs 1:18 | But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives. |
| 3 | Proverbs 12:6 | The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 18:18–20 | Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.” Attend to me, O LORD. Hear what my accusers are saying! Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them. |
| 5 | Acts 25:3 | to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. |
| 6 | Proverbs 1:16 | For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. |
| 7 | Matthew 26:3–4 | At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. |
| 8 | Proverbs 30:14 | there is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are knives, devouring the oppressed from the earth and the needy from among men. |
| 9 | Micah 7:2 | The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net. |
| 10 | Psalms 35:7 | For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul. |
Proverbs 1:11 Summary
Proverbs 1:11 warns us about the danger of hanging out with people who want to hurt others on purpose. This kind of behavior is not what God wants for us, and it's actually the opposite of loving our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18). When we choose to follow God, we should want to do good to those around us, not harm them. By staying away from people who plan evil, we can stay on the path of righteousness and follow God's commands (Psalm 1:1).
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of company should I avoid according to Proverbs 1:11?
According to Proverbs 1:11, we should avoid the company of those who plan to harm others without cause, as this is contrary to the teachings of the Bible (Proverbs 1:10, Psalm 1:1).
How can I recognize when someone is trying to lead me into sin?
We can recognize when someone is trying to lead us into sin by their words and actions, such as enticing us to lie in wait for blood or ambush the innocent, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:11, and we should not yield to them (Proverbs 1:10).
What is the result of following those who plan evil?
Following those who plan evil can lead to spiritual destruction and separation from God, as warned in Proverbs 1:11 and Romans 1:32, where it is written that those who practice such things are worthy of death.
How does Proverbs 1:11 relate to the command to love our neighbors?
Proverbs 1:11 relates to the command to love our neighbors (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39) by highlighting the contrast between loving and harming others, showing that we should choose to love and do good to those around us, rather than plotting harm.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be tempted to 'lie in wait for blood' or harm others in my daily life, and how can I resist this temptation?
- How can I discern when someone is trying to lead me into sin, and what steps can I take to avoid their influence?
- What are some ways that I can show love and kindness to those around me, rather than plotting harm or evil?
- How does Proverbs 1:11 relate to my own heart and motivations - am I harboring any secret desires to harm or take advantage of others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:11
If they say, come with us,.... Leave your father's house, and the business of life in which you are; make one of us, and become a member of our society, and go along with us upon the highway; let us
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:11
If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood - (Proverbs 1:16; Jeremiah 5:26.) Let us
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:11
Come with us; we are numerous, and strong, and sociable. Let us lay wait for blood; to shed blood. He expresseth not their words, which would rather affright than inveigle a young novice; but the true nature and consequence of the action, and what lies at the bottom of their specious pretences. Lurk privily; so we shall neither be prevented before, nor discovered and punished afterward. The innocent; harmless travellers, who are more careless and secure, and unprovided for opposition, than such villains as themselves. Without cause; though they have not provoked us, nor deserved this usage from us. This Solomon adds to discover their malignity and baseness, and so deter the young man from association with them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:11
Proverbs 1:11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:Ver. 11. If they say.] The dragon bites the elephant’ s ear, and thence sucks his blood; because he knows that to be the only place that he cannot reach with his trunk to defend. So deal the red dragon and his angels: "with good words and fair speeches they deceive the hearts of the simple" "With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him." Come with me.] If sinners have their "Come," should not saints much more? "Come, let us go up to the house of the Lord." "Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord." "Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts; I will go also." Should we not incite, entice, whet, and "provoke one another," "sharpen" and extimulate, rouse and "stir up" each other to love and good works? παροξυνειν. διεγειρειν.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:11
(11) Without cause.—To be taken with “lurk.” Though he has done us no harm.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:11
Verse 11. If they say, Come with us] From all accounts, this is precisely the way in which the workers of iniquity form their partisans, and constitute their marauding societies to the present day. Let us lay wait for blood] Let us rob and murder. Let us lurk privily] Let us lie in ambush for our prey.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:11
11. for blood] The shameless form of the proposal shows at once the insecurity and the low moral tone of society. The language is too strong and vivid to admit of a figurative interpretation: Let us rob them violently of their bread which is their life. Compare “The bread of the needy is the life of the poor: He that depriveth him thereof is a man of blood.” Sir 34:21. without cause] So A.V. and R.V., i.e. though (the reflection being that of the author, not of the speaker) he has done them no harm, given them no cause to injure him. So LXX. ἀδίκως. Others, less probably, take the adverb with the word “innocent”: for them who are innocent in vain (who serve God for nought, Job 1:9, where the Heb. word is the same as here), because, as we will soon shew, his innocency will profit him nothing. “Contra insontem frustra,” Vulg. “Pio nullum pietatis prζmium habituro,” Maur.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:11
The temptation against which the teacher seeks to guard his disciple is that of joining a band of highway robbers.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:11
11. If they say — The teacher here enlarges upon the subject of evil associations.
Sermons on Proverbs 1:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Are We Preaching the Gospel? by K.C. Moser | The preacher delves into the dual meanings of 'oxus' in the Bible, highlighting its representation of rapid motion and sharpness, particularly in the book of Revelation. This sharp |
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When Religion Wants to Be Worshipped by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the immediate effect of Satan's fallen nature being embraced by humanity and how it influenced religious practices. The story of Cain and Abel |
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A Life of Self Acknowlegement by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discipline in various aspects of life, such as time management, financial stewardship, and controlling bodily desires. It also highlights t |
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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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A Vision of Our Culture by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful experience he had during a gathering where he noticed a wave of sound coming from the audience every time he mentioned the name of Je |
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Pure by Faith by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of letting go of religious traditions and embracing the freedom found in Christ. He highlights how Jesus faced opposition from |
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The Assassins (Sacarii) by Robert Wurtz II | Robert Wurtz II delves into the historical context of the Zealots and the Sacarii, highlighting their brutal actions and motivations driven by greed and desire for spoils rather th |