Proverbs 23:13

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Withhold not correction from the child: for [if] thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Don't withhold discipline from a child -if you beat him with a stick, he won't die!

Berean Standard Bible:

Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die.

American Standard Version:

Withhold not correction from the child; Forif thou beat him with the rod, he will not die.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Withhold^{H4513} not correction^{H4148} from the child^{H5288}: for if thou beatest^{H5221} him with the rod^{H7626}, he shall not die^{H4191}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 23:13

Proverbs 23:13 is part of the wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible, specifically found in the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of sayings and instructions on how to live a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to oneself and others. This verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern cultural context where corporal punishment was a common and accepted method of discipline and education.

The theme of Proverbs 23:13 emphasizes the importance of disciplining children, suggesting that physical punishment, when administered appropriately and not excessively, is not lethal and can be an effective means of correction. The verse advises against withholding discipline, implying that discipline is an act of love and necessary for the moral and social development of a child. It is important to note that the "rod" mentioned here is likely symbolic of parental authority and discipline rather than an endorsement of harsh physical punishment.

In the historical context, the family was seen as the foundation of society, and proper child-rearing was considered crucial for maintaining social order. The proverb, therefore, encourages parents to take an active role in their children's upbringing, using discipline to guide them away from folly and towards wisdom and righteousness.

While modern interpretations vary, and some may caution against any form of corporal punishment, the underlying principle of the verse—that children benefit from consistent, fair, and loving discipline—remains relevant. The verse speaks to the responsibility of parents and guardians to guide the next generation through instruction and correction, ensuring that children learn to discern right from wrong and are equipped to navigate the complexities of life.

*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: H4513
   There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָנַע
   Transliteration: mânaʻ
   Pronunciation: maw-nah'
   Description: a primitive root; to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury; deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain, withhold.
   
2. Strong's Number: H4148
   There are 50 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוּסָר
   Transliteration: mûwçâr
   Pronunciation: moo-sawr'
   Description: from יָסַר; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint; bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5288
   There are 221 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נַעַר
   Transliteration: naʻar
   Pronunciation: nah'-ar
   Description: from נָעַר; (concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latitude in age); babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man).
   
4. Strong's Number: H5221
   There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָכָה
   Transliteration: nâkâh
   Pronunciation: naw-kaw'
   Description: a primitive root; to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); 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.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7626
   There are 178 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֵׁבֶט
   Transliteration: shêbeṭ
   Pronunciation: shay'-bet
   Description: from an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan; [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe.
   
6. Strong's Number: H4191
   There are 694 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוּת
   Transliteration: mûwth
   Pronunciation: mooth
   Description: a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill; [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.