Proverbs 24:11

KJV

¶ If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou forbear {H2820} to deliver {H5337} them that are drawn {H3947} unto death {H4194}, and those that are ready {H4131} to be slain {H2027};

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, rescue those being dragged off to death -won't you save those about to be killed?

Berean Standard Bible

Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter.

American Standard Version

Deliver them that are carried away unto death, And those that are ready to be slain see that thou hold back.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 24:11 issues a profound and urgent moral imperative, challenging the listener to actively intervene on behalf of those facing imminent danger and death. It condemns passive indifference or deliberate inaction when individuals are on the brink of destruction, emphasizing a fundamental ethical responsibility to rescue the vulnerable and prevent tragedy. This verse serves as a stark reminder that true wisdom includes courageous and compassionate engagement with the suffering of others.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 24:11 is situated within a collection of wisdom sayings (Proverbs 22:17–24:34), often referred to as "Sayings of the Wise." This section, distinct from the initial Solomonic proverbs, frequently addresses practical ethics, social justice, and the consequences of moral choices. The immediate context of verse 11 is particularly crucial, as it sets up the powerful warning in [Proverbs 24:12](/proverbs/24-12 "Proverbs 24:12 - God's Judgment on Inaction"), which explicitly states that God observes and judges those who claim ignorance or inability to act. This pairing underscores the gravity of the command to intervene, framing inaction not merely as a missed opportunity but as a culpable offense before God. The broader chapter emphasizes diligence, avoiding the company of the wicked, and upholding righteousness in society.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many ancient Near Eastern cultures, had a strong emphasis on communal responsibility and justice, particularly for the vulnerable. While there was a hierarchical social structure, the Law and prophetic tradition consistently called for the protection of the widow, the orphan, and the sojourner (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Love for the Vulnerable")). This proverb reflects a deeply ingrained ethical expectation that members of the community should not stand idly by when others are in mortal peril, whether from human oppression, natural disaster, or other life-threatening circumstances. The imagery of being "drawn unto death" or "ready to be slain" might evoke scenarios of legal injustice, violent assault, or even the consequences of famine or disease where intervention could save a life. The wisdom literature often addressed the practical outworking of covenant faithfulness in daily life, including civic and social duties.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Moral Responsibility and Active Compassion**, asserting that wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but demands ethical action, particularly in crisis. It moves beyond passive empathy to an imperative for intervention, aligning with the biblical call to "seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause" as seen in [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Call to Justice"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Protection of the Vulnerable**, portraying those "drawn unto death" as the epitome of helplessness, underscoring God's consistent concern for the marginalized and defenseless. This theme resonates with the Law's provisions for the poor and oppressed and the prophets' condemnation of those who exploit them. Finally, the implied theme of **Accountability for Inaction** is crucial; while not explicit in this verse, the subsequent [Proverbs 24:12](/proverbs/24-12 "Proverbs 24:12 - God's Judgment on Inaction") makes it clear that God holds individuals responsible for their failure to act when lives are at stake, echoing the New Testament principle that "to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" ([James 4:17](/james/4-17 "James 4:17 - The Sin of Omission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forbear (Hebrew, _châsak'_):** This word (H2820) means "to restrain or (reflex.) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve." In this context, it carries the strong negative connotation of withholding help or refusing to act. The proverb condemns the act of holding back one's hand or resources when intervention is desperately needed, implying a deliberate choice not to engage.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** This term (H5337) signifies "to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense; to rescue, rid, save." Here, it unequivocally means to rescue or save someone from danger. It implies an active, decisive intervention, pulling someone out of a perilous situation, often with urgency and force. The opposite of "forbearing" is to "deliver."
* **Drawn (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This word (H3947) means "to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch." When combined with "unto death," it paints a vivid picture of someone being seized, taken, or led towards their demise, often against their will or without their ability to resist. It suggests a state of being helplessly ensnared or captured by a deadly fate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death":** This opening clause presents the core ethical dilemma. "Forbear to deliver" highlights the sin of omission – the deliberate choice to withhold aid or rescue. The phrase "drawn unto death" vividly describes individuals who are being led, dragged, or inexorably pulled towards their end, whether by human agents, dire circumstances, or systemic injustice. Their state is one of extreme vulnerability and imminent peril, emphasizing the urgency of intervention.
* **"and [those that are] ready to be slain;":** This second clause reinforces and intensifies the imagery of the first. "Ready to be slain" refers to those who are stumbling, tottering, or on the verge of being slaughtered. The Hebrew term implies a state of wavering or slipping towards destruction, suggesting a precarious balance where a life hangs in the balance. Both phrases together paint a picture of individuals in the most dire straits, requiring immediate and decisive action from anyone who witnesses their plight.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 24:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The use of **Parallelism** is evident, with the two clauses "them that are drawn unto death" and "those that are ready to be slain" serving as synonymous expressions to emphasize the dire state of the vulnerable. This repetition reinforces the gravity of the situation and the consistent nature of the call to intervene. **Imagery** is central, painting vivid pictures of people being "drawn" or "ready to be slain," which evokes a strong emotional response and underscores the imminence of the danger. This imagery transforms an abstract ethical principle into a concrete, visceral scenario. The verse also functions as a strong **Ethical Imperative**, though phrased as a conditional "If you forbear..." it carries the weight of a direct command, implying severe consequences for inaction. It's a rhetorical challenge designed to provoke a moral response rather than merely state a fact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb underscores a foundational biblical principle: God's people are called to be agents of justice and rescue in a fallen world. It reflects the divine character, for God Himself is the ultimate deliverer and rescuer of the oppressed. The failure to act in the face of grave danger to others is not merely a social misstep but a moral failing with spiritual implications, as it contradicts the very heart of God's concern for humanity. This proactive stance against injustice and suffering is a hallmark of true wisdom and righteousness, demonstrating a love for neighbor that mirrors God's own compassion.

* [Psalm 82:3-4](/psalms/82-3 "Psalm 82:3-4 - Defend the Poor and Needy")
* [Luke 10:30-37](/luke/10-30 "Luke 10:30-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan")
* [1 John 3:16-18](/1_john/3-16 "1 John 3:16-18 - Love in Action")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 24:11 issues a timeless challenge to every believer: to not be a passive spectator in the face of suffering and injustice. It demands an active, courageous, and compassionate response when lives are at stake. This isn't limited to dramatic physical rescues; it extends to recognizing and addressing systemic injustices, advocating for the marginalized, speaking out against oppression, and providing practical aid to those in desperate need. It calls us to cultivate a posture of vigilance and empathy, ensuring that our hearts are not hardened to the cries of the perishing, whether those cries are literal shouts for help or the silent suffering of the unseen. Our faith must translate into tangible acts of love and justice, reflecting the character of a God who consistently intervenes to deliver His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "forbearing to deliver" those who are "drawn unto death" in my community or globally?**
* **What are some practical steps I can take to identify and intervene on behalf of the vulnerable around me?**
* **How does this proverb challenge my comfort, my priorities, and my understanding of what it means to live wisely?**
* **What fears or obstacles might prevent me from acting, and how can I overcome them through faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "drawn unto death" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: "Drawn unto death" (Hebrew: _luqqachim lammaveth_) refers to individuals who are being taken, led, or pulled towards their demise. This can imply various scenarios: those unjustly condemned to execution, victims of violence or robbery, people suffering from extreme poverty or famine, or those caught in situations where their life is imminently threatened and they are powerless to escape. It emphasizes a state of helplessness and being on the verge of destruction, requiring external intervention. The phrase highlights the dire and inescapable nature of their peril without outside help.

**Is this proverb only about physical rescue, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While the vivid imagery of "drawn unto death" and "ready to be slain" certainly includes physical peril, the proverb's wisdom extends beyond literal physical rescue. It encompasses any situation where individuals are on the brink of ruin, whether spiritual, emotional, social, or economic. For example, it can apply to advocating for those caught in human trafficking, speaking out against systemic injustice that leads to poverty or oppression, intervening in cases of domestic abuse, or even sharing the Gospel with those spiritually "dead" and "slain" by sin ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins")). The core principle is active, compassionate intervention to preserve life and well-being in its fullest sense.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 24:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Deliverer, the one who did not "forbear to deliver" humanity when we were all "drawn unto death" by sin and "ready to be slain" by its just consequences. The entire narrative of redemption is God's active intervention to rescue a perishing world. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly laid down His life to snatch us from the jaws of spiritual death, demonstrating the ultimate act of self-sacrificial love ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). His mission was to "seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")), embodying the very principle of active rescue that this proverb commends. Moreover, Christ calls His followers to participate in this redemptive work, empowering us by His Spirit to be His hands and feet in a world still groaning under the weight of death and injustice, compelling us to act with the same compassion and courage He displayed ([Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35 "Matthew 25:35-40 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Thus, the proverb serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of the divine rescue accomplished by Christ and a call for His church to live out His delivering love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 82:4

Deliver the poor and needy: rid [them] out of the hand of the wicked.

Isaiah 58:6

[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Isaiah 58:7

[Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

1 John 3:16

Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.

1 John 3:17

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Job 29:17

And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.

1 Samuel 26:8

Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not [smite] him the second time.