Proverbs 19:18
Proverbs 19:18 in Multiple Translations
Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.
Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; And set not thy heart on his destruction.
Give your son training while there is hope; let not your heart be purposing his death.
Discipline your son while there's still hope, but don't kill him.
Chasten thy sonne while there is hope, and let not thy soule spare for his murmuring.
Chastise thy son, for there is hope, And to put him to death lift not up thy soul.
Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death.
Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
Chastise thy son, despair not: but to the killing of him set not thy soul.
Discipline your children while they are young, while you still hope that they will learn to behave as they should; if you do not discipline them, you are helping them to destroy themselves.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:18
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 19:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יַסֵּ֣ר
בִּ֭נְ/ךָ
כִּי
יֵ֣שׁ
תִּקְוָ֑ה
וְ/אֶל
הֲ֝מִית֗/וֹ
אַל
תִּשָּׂ֥א
נַפְשֶֽׁ/ךָ
יַסֵּ֣ר
yâçar
H3256
to discipline
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
בִּ֭נְ/ךָ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
תִּקְוָ֑ה
tiqvâh
H8615
cord
N-fs
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הֲ֝מִית֗/וֹ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּשָּׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
נַפְשֶֽׁ/ךָ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 19:18
יַסֵּ֣ר
yâçar
H3256
"to discipline"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
בִּ֭נְ/ךָ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
תִּקְוָ֑ה
tiqvâh
H8615
"cord"
N-fs
In Hebrew, this word for hope means a cord that attaches or expectancy, like waiting for something to happen. It appears in the Bible as a feeling of expectation or a thing someone longs for. The KJV translates it as hope or expectation.
Definition: cord
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: expectation(-ted), hope, live, thing that I long for. See also: Joshua 2:18; Psalms 62:6; Psalms 9:19.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הֲ֝מִית֗/וֹ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּשָּׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
נַפְשֶֽׁ/ךָ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | 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 19:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:18
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:18
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:18
Context — The Man of Integrity
16He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul, but he who is careless in his ways will die.
17Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
18Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.
19A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do so again. 20Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 13:24 | He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. |
| 2 | Proverbs 29:15 | A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. |
| 3 | Proverbs 22:15 | Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. |
| 4 | Proverbs 23:13–14 | Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die. Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol. |
| 5 | Hebrews 12:7–10 | Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. |
| 6 | Proverbs 29:17 | Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. |
Proverbs 19:18 Summary
Proverbs 19:18 is saying that it's very important to discipline your children, because if you don't, they might end up in trouble. Discipline is not just about punishing your child, but about teaching them right from wrong, as seen in Proverbs 22:6, so they can grow up to be wise and responsible adults. By disciplining your child, you are showing them love and care, just like God does with us, as seen in Hebrews 12:6, and helping them to have a better future. It's also important to remember that failing to discipline your child can have serious consequences, as warned in Proverbs 29:15, so it's crucial to find a balance between discipline and love, as seen in Psalm 103:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to discipline my child according to Proverbs 19:18?
Disciplining your child means to train and correct them in a loving manner, as seen in Proverbs 22:6, to help them develop self-control and wisdom, giving them hope for a better future, as stated in Proverbs 19:18.
Is discipline the same as punishment?
No, discipline is not the same as punishment, although it can include punishment; it is about teaching and guiding, as seen in Proverbs 29:15, where it says that a child left undisciplined brings shame to their mother.
Why is it important not to be a party to my child's death, as mentioned in Proverbs 19:18?
Being a party to your child's death means failing to discipline them, which can lead to their destruction, as warned in Proverbs 5:23, and is a serious spiritual issue that requires prayer and correction, as seen in Proverbs 28:13.
How can I balance discipline with love and kindness, as seen in Proverbs 19:17?
Balancing discipline with love and kindness involves being consistent, fair, and compassionate, as seen in Psalm 103:13, where it says that God disciplines those He loves, and also showing kindness to those in need, as stated in Proverbs 19:17, which can help guide your approach to discipline.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can discipline my child in a loving and constructive manner, and how can I ensure that I am not being too lenient or too harsh?
- How can I make sure that my discipline is not driven by anger, but rather by a desire to help my child learn and grow, as seen in Ephesians 6:4?
- What are some potential consequences of failing to discipline my child, and how can I avoid being a party to their destruction, as warned in Proverbs 19:18?
- How can I use Proverbs 19:18 as a guide for my own parenting, and what are some practical steps I can take to start disciplining my child in a more effective way, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:7?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:18
Chasten thy son while there is hope,.... Of guiding and keeping him in the right way, as long as corrections are or can be hoped to be of use; while in a state of infancy, childhood, and youth; while
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:18
Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. Chasten thy son while there is hope - of his being reformed, before that he becomes hardened in sin.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:18
While there is hope; before custom in sin, and thy indulgence, hath made him hard-hearted and incorrigible. Let not thy soul spare, forbear not to give him due and necessary correction, for his crying, which oft stirs up a foolish and pernicious pity in parents towards them. This word, with some small difference in the points, is used in this sense . Or, as it is in the margin, to his destruction, intimating that this is a cruel pity, and a likely way to expose him to that death threatened to stubborn sons, ,21. But this clause is, and may be, rendered otherwise, yet or but do not lift up thy soul (which signifies a vehement desire, ; let not thy passion or eager desire of chastening him transport thee so far as) to cause him to die, i.e. use moderation in this work.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:18
Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.Ver. 18. Chasten thy son while there is hope.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:18
(18) And let not thy soul spare for his crying.—Or, but set not thy soul on his destruction. Do not go so far as to kill him in thy zeal for his good, or despair of his amendment. (Comp. Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21.) It may also signify “do not let him perish for want of chastisement,” as Proverbs 23:13 is also explained.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:18
Verse 18. Let not thy soul spare for his crying.] This is a hard precept for a parent. Nothing affects the heart of a parent so much as a child's cries and tears. But it is better that the child may be caused to cry, when the correction may be healthful to his soul, than that the parent should cry afterwards, when the child is grown to man's estate, and his evil habits are sealed for life.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:18
18. while] R.V. seeing: i.e. for if done now it will not be too late. let not thy soul spare for his crying] Rather, set not thy heart on his destruction, R.V.; lit. on causing him to die. This might mean, let not thy passionate and excessive correction kill or injure him; as LXX., Vulg. and Maurer (sed cave occidas inter castigandum), and Coverdale, “but let not thy soul be moved to slay him”; but it is better to understand it of the result of withholding correction: be not bent by thy foolish indulgence on ruining him. So A.V. marg., “Let not thy soul spare to his destruction, or to cause him to die.” Comp. 1 Kings 2:6; and Sir 30:1.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:18
While there is hope - While he is still young, and capable of being reformed.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:18
18. Chasten… while there is hope — Correct for the purpose and with the expectation of improvement; of course, therefore, neither vindictively nor cruelly. Let not thy soul spare for his crying — Or, as many good critics read.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Godly Home) Part 11 - the Rod Is Love by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, Brother Denny discusses the importance of disciplining children through spanking. He shares a story of a family who struggled to control their children's behavior a |
|
God's Truth: Authority and Discipline by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's word and the need for consistency in following through with what is said. He shares a personal anecdote about his so |
|
The Christian Home - Part 4 of 5 by John R. Rice | This sermon emphasizes the importance of disciplining and training children according to biblical principles, highlighting the need for parents to chasten their children with love |
|
|
12 the Rod Is Love by Denny Kenaston | This sermon emphasizes the importance of balancing love and discipline in parenting, focusing on the biblical perspective of using the rod to correct children with love. It highlig |
|
Being a Christian at Home by Melody Green | Melody Green addresses the challenge of practicing love within families, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating Christian love at home before spreading it to others. She highl |
|
|
3. the Rod of Discipline by Denny Kenaston | Denny Kenaston emphasizes the necessity of discipline in child-rearing, arguing that using the rod is a loving act that fosters respect and obedience in children. He asserts that f |
|
Letters to Parents. No. 5. by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the vital role of parents in cultivating affection and moral understanding among their children. He urges parents to encourage their children's inquiries |