Proverbs 1:11

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

Complete Jewish Bible:

Suppose they say, "Come with us: we'll ambush somebody and kill him, we'll waylay some harmless soul, just for fun;

Berean Standard Bible:

If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause,

American Standard Version:

If they say, Come with us, Let us lay wait for blood; Let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

If they say^{H559}, Come^{H3212} with us, let us lay wait^{H693} for blood^{H1818}, let us lurk^{H6845} privily for the innocent^{H5355} without cause^{H2600}:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 1:11

Proverbs 1:11 is part of the wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Book of Proverbs, which is attributed to King Solomon and his scribes. This verse is found within the introductory section of the book, which sets the stage for the teachings that follow. The verse reads: "If they say, 'Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:'"

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, where teachings were often conveyed through pithy sayings and instructive stories. The Book of Proverbs is a collection of such wisdom, intended to guide individuals in living a life of virtue and righteousness.

The theme of Proverbs 1:11 is a warning against the enticement of evil companions and the consequences of succumbing to peer pressure that leads to violence and injustice. The verse specifically addresses the temptation to participate in the ambush and harm of innocent people. It highlights the deceptive and secretive nature of such an endeavor, emphasizing that there is no justified reason ("without cause") for targeting the innocent.

In the broader context of the chapter, this verse serves as a caution against the path of the wicked, contrasting it with the path of wisdom and righteousness that the rest of the book promotes. The implied advice is to avoid such malevolent schemes and to choose instead the company of the wise and the pursuit of understanding and moral integrity. This aligns with the overarching purpose of the Book of Proverbs, which is to impart practical ethics and moral discernment to its readers, encouraging them to live lives that are pleasing to God and beneficial to their communities.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); 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.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3212
   There are 938 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָלַךְ
   Transliteration: yâlak
   Pronunciation: yaw-lak'
   Description: a primitive root (compare הָלַךְ); to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses); [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.
   
3. Strong's Number: H693
   There are 116 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָרַב
   Transliteration: ʼârab
   Pronunciation: aw-rab'
   Description: a primitive root; to lurk; (lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie in) wait.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1818
   There are 295 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּם
   Transliteration: dâm
   Pronunciation: dawm
   Description: from דָּמַם (compare אָדַם); blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshed (i.e. drops of blood); blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6845
   There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צָפַן
   Transliteration: tsâphan
   Pronunciation: tsaw-fan'
   Description: a primitive root; to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk; esteem, hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place).
   
6. Strong's Number: H5355
   There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָקִי
   Transliteration: nâqîy
   Pronunciation: naw-kee'
   Description: or נָקִיא; (Joel 4:19; Jonah [1:14), from נָקָה; innocent; blameless, clean, clear, exempted, free, guiltless, innocent, quit.
   
7. Strong's Number: H2600
   There are 31 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חִנָּם
   Transliteration: chinnâm
   Pronunciation: khin-nawm'
   Description: from חֵן; gratis, i.e. devoid of cost, reason or advantage; without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain.