Proverbs 23:13
Proverbs 23:13 in Multiple Translations
Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
Withhold not correction from the child; For if thou beat him with the rod, he will not die.
Do not keep back training from the child: for even if you give him blows with the rod, it will not be death to him.
Don't keep from disciplining your children—a beating won't kill them.
Withhold not correction from the childe: if thou smite him with the rodde, he shall not die.
Withhold not from a youth chastisement, When thou smitest him with a rod he dieth not.
Don’t withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
Withhold not correction from a child: for if thou strike him with the rod, he shall not die.
Do not refuse to discipline your children; if you punish/spank them, it will not cause them to die,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:13
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 23:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תִּמְנַ֣ע
מִ/נַּ֣עַר
מוּסָ֑ר
כִּֽי
תַכֶּ֥/נּוּ
בַ֝/שֵּׁ֗בֶט
לֹ֣א
יָמֽוּת
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּמְנַ֣ע
mânaʻ
H4513
to withhold
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
מִ/נַּ֣עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Prep | N-ms
מוּסָ֑ר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תַכֶּ֥/נּוּ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
בַ֝/שֵּׁ֗בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
Prep | N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָמֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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 23:13
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.
תִּמְנַ֣ע
mânaʻ
H4513
"to withhold"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
To withhold means to hold something back or keep it from someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe God withholding something from people, or people withholding things from each other.
Definition: 1) to withhold, hold back, keep back, refrain, deny, keep restrain, hinder 1a) (Qal) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain, withhold. See also: Genesis 30:2; Proverbs 1:15; Psalms 21:3.
מִ/נַּ֣עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Prep | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
מוּסָ֑ר
mûwçâr
H4148
"discipline"
N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
כִּֽי
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.
תַכֶּ֥/נּוּ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
בַ֝/שֵּׁ֗בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
Prep | N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָמֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:13
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:13
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:13
Context — Saying 13
11for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you.
12Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
13Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
14Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol. 15My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice.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 19:18 | Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death. |
| 3 | Proverbs 29:15 | A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. |
| 4 | Proverbs 29:17 | Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. |
Proverbs 23:13 Summary
[This verse reminds us that discipline is a necessary part of teaching and guiding children, helping them learn right from wrong and develop self-control, much like the balance seen in Deuteronomy 8:5 and Hebrews 12:7-10. By not withholding discipline, parents can help their children grow into wise and responsible adults. It's also important to remember that discipline should be done in love and with the goal of correction, not punishment, as seen in Proverbs 3:12 and Revelation 3:19. By finding this balance, we can help our children thrive and fulfill their potential, as encouraged in Psalm 127:3-5 and Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really okay to strike a child with a rod, as this verse suggests?
While this verse does suggest physical discipline, it's essential to understand the context and balance it with other scriptures like Ephesians 6:4, which emphasizes not provoking children to anger, and Colossians 3:21, which warns against embittering them.
Does this verse mean I should never withhold discipline from my child?
According to Proverbs 22:15, foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him, suggesting that timely discipline is necessary for a child's development and well-being, as also seen in Proverbs 29:15.
How can I ensure that discipline is effective and not harmful to my child?
Effective discipline, as seen in this verse and others like Proverbs 22:6, should be aimed at teaching and correcting, not punishing, and should be balanced with love, patience, and clear communication, as emphasized in Psalm 103:13 and Hebrews 12:11.
Is the rod mentioned in this verse a literal rod, or is it symbolic?
While the rod could be literal, it's also symbolic of authority, discipline, and correction, as seen in other contexts like Psalm 23:4, where the rod and staff comfort the psalmist, indicating a balance between discipline and care.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of not withholding discipline from a child in my own life, whether as a parent, mentor, or influence?
- How can I distinguish between discipline that is corrective and loving, versus punishment that might be harmful or provoke anger?
- In what ways can I use everyday situations to teach and discipline my child, making the most of opportunities for character development and spiritual growth?
- What role does patience and self-control play in effective discipline, and how can I cultivate these qualities in my own life, as encouraged in Galatians 5:22-23?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:13
Withhold not correction from the child,.... When he has committed a fault, and correction is necessary; for to spare it is the ruin of the child, and no proof of true affection in the parent, but the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:13
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:13
It is a likely mean to prevent their corruption, and the destruction which commonly follows it, as the next verse explains this.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:13
Proverbs 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for [if] thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.Ver. 13. Withhold not correction from the child.] He shall not die.] Or if he do, yet not by thy default. Thou hast delivered thine own soul howsoever. If a blackmore enter into the bath, though he become not white by it, yet the bath master hath his pay, saith Keyserspergius. The physician hath his fee whether the patient recover or die.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:13
(13) He shall not die—i.e., a moderate correction, such as that advised in Proverbs 19:18 (see note), will not injure him—quite the reverse.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:13
13. if thou beatest him] Or, though, R.V. marg., meaning thou needest not to be afraid that corporal punishment will result in death. It is better, however, to understand death here as the consequence of the sin, into which, if allowed to go uncorrected, he will fall. See Proverbs 19:18 note. This view is borne out by the next verse here. Proverbs 23:15-35. The style of composition changes from separate proverbs or wise maxims to a continuous address, not unlike chaps. 1–9 in character.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:13
i. e., “You will not kill your son by scourging him, you may kill him by with holding the scourge.” Proverbs 23:14 Hell - Sheol, the world of the dead.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:13
13, 14. Withhold not correction — Solomon did not trust wholly to moral suasion in the education of children, but insisted on the rod as necessary for the salvation of the child.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Biblical Family) Child Training by Voddie Baucham | In this video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of training and teaching others to preach the word of God effectively. He encourages a hands-on approach, where the speaker act |
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(Godly Home) Part 13 - the Training of the Will by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of training the will as the foundation for a prosperous spiritual life. He emphasizes the significance of parents teaching the |
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(Ephesians) Children Obey Your Parents by Jeff Noblit | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of children obeying their parents and respecting authority. He explains that this command comes with a promise of a good quali |
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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 |
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15. the Bondage of Foolishness by Denny Kenaston | This sermon delves into the concept of the 'bondage of foolishness' as described in Proverbs 22:15, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of ch |
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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 |
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Parenting: Raising Up Godly Leaders by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the vital role of parenting in raising godly leaders, asserting that everyone influences someone, regardless of their parental status. He encourages listen |