Proverbs 6:5

KJV

Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

KJV (with Strong's)

Deliver {H5337} thyself as a roe {H6643} from the hand {H3027} of the hunter, and as a bird {H6833} from the hand {H3027} of the fowler {H3353}.

Complete Jewish Bible

break free, like a gazelle from the [hunter's] trap, like a bird from the grip of the fowler.

Berean Standard Bible

Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

American Standard Version

Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, And as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:5 delivers a potent and urgent exhortation for immediate and decisive action when one finds themselves ensnared by dangerous commitments, particularly those arising from unwise financial guarantees. Through vivid **similes** drawn from the natural world, the verse likens the desperate need for escape to a swift roe fleeing a hunter and a vulnerable bird escaping the fowler's trap, emphasizing the critical importance of self-preservation and swift liberation from perilous entanglements.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a larger admonition against suretyship, found in [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warning Against Suretyship"). The preceding verses describe the dire consequences of co-signing a loan or guaranteeing a debt for another, portraying the one who has done so as "snared by the words of your mouth" and "caught by the words of your mouth" ([Proverbs 6:2](/proverbs/6-2 "Proverbs 6:2 - Trapped by Your Words")). The advice given in [Proverbs 6:3-4](/proverbs/6-3 "Proverbs 6:3-4 - Seek Deliverance") is to humble oneself, relentlessly pursue the neighbor, and give no sleep or slumber until released from the obligation. Proverbs 6:5 culminates this section by providing a powerful metaphor for the urgency and desperation required to break free from such a binding and potentially ruinous agreement, underscoring the need for immediate, proactive self-deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, financial agreements, especially those involving suretyship, carried significant weight and often had severe consequences if defaulted upon. Without modern banking systems, personal guarantees were common, but failure to repay could lead to debt slavery, loss of land, or even the sale of one's children ([2 Kings 4:1](/2_kings/4-1 "2 Kings 4:1 - A Widow's Debt")). The imagery of the hunter and fowler was universally understood in an agrarian society where hunting and trapping were common activities for sustenance and protection. The roe (gazelle) was known for its speed and agility, while birds were often caught in nets or snares. This imagery would have immediately resonated with the audience, conveying a sense of immediate, life-threatening danger and the instinctual need for rapid escape.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Proverbs 6:5](/proverbs/6-5 "Proverbs 6:5 - Deliver Thyself") is the **Urgency of Escape**. It stresses that when one finds themselves in a precarious or entrapping situation, swift and decisive action is paramount, just as an animal flees for its life. This connects to the broader Proverbial emphasis on **Prudence and Foresight**, as the ultimate wisdom lies in avoiding such snares altogether, as highlighted throughout the book (e.g., [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing")). The verse also implicitly warns about the **Consequences of Foolish Decisions**, particularly those that compromise one's freedom or security. Finally, the phrase "Deliver thyself" underscores the theme of **Personal Responsibility and Initiative** in seeking liberation, even as ultimate deliverance is often attributed to God in other biblical texts (e.g., [Psalm 124:7](/psalms/124-7 "Psalm 124:7 - Our Soul Has Escaped")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** This primitive root (H5337) signifies "to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense." In its reflexive form, as used here, it means "to snatch oneself away," "to rescue oneself," or "to escape." It conveys a proactive, urgent, and often desperate effort to break free from a dangerous or binding situation, emphasizing self-initiated action for preservation.
* **roe (Hebrew, _tsᵉbîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "prominence," this word (H6643) refers to "splendor" or "beauty," but also specifically to a "gazelle" or "roe-buck." The gazelle is renowned for its grace, speed, and agility, making it an ideal symbol for swift, instinctual flight from danger. Its inclusion highlights the necessity of immediate and unhesitating movement.
* **fowler (Hebrew, _yâqûwsh'_):** This passive participle (H3353) literally means "entangled," but by implication refers to "a snare" or "a snarer." A fowler is someone who sets traps or nets for birds, often employing cunning and stealth. The term underscores the deceptive and dangerous nature of the trap, and the fowler represents the cunning adversary or the insidious nature of the entangling commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Deliver thyself":** This imperative command places the responsibility squarely on the individual. It is an urgent call to proactive, self-initiated action to escape a perilous situation. The reflexive nature of the verb "deliver" (nâtsal) emphasizes that one must actively work to free themselves from the entanglement.
* **"as a roe from the hand [of the hunter]":** This first simile vividly illustrates the required swiftness and desperation. A roe (gazelle) is known for its incredible speed and its instinctual, immediate flight from danger. "The hand of the hunter" represents the immediate, life-threatening grasp of an adversary or a perilous circumstance, from which one must escape with the utmost urgency and agility.
* **"and as a bird from the hand of the fowler":** The second simile reinforces the message with a slightly different nuance. A bird, often seen as vulnerable, is caught by a fowler, who uses cunning traps or snares. "The hand of the fowler" symbolizes a more insidious, hidden danger—a trap that has already sprung. The bird's desperate struggle to escape a net or snare further emphasizes the need for immediate, frantic, and determined effort to break free once caught.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:5 is rich in **Imagery** and employs powerful **Simile** to convey its urgent message. The comparison of a person caught in a dangerous situation to a "roe from the hand of the hunter" and "a bird from the hand of the fowler" creates a vivid mental picture of desperate flight and frantic escape. These animalistic comparisons strip away human rationalization and highlight the raw, instinctual need for self-preservation. The repetition of "from the hand" emphasizes the immediate, tangible threat and the source of the entrapment. The imperative "Deliver thyself" imbues the verse with a strong sense of **Urgency**, demanding immediate and decisive action. The animals symbolize vulnerability and the instinct to flee, while the hunter and fowler represent the cunning and dangerous forces that seek to ensnare.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The wisdom of Proverbs 6:5 extends beyond mere financial prudence to a broader theological principle: the imperative to escape from anything that compromises one's freedom, integrity, or spiritual well-being. It speaks to the human condition of often finding ourselves "snared" by our own poor choices, the schemes of others, or even the temptations of sin. Theologically, while God is often depicted as the ultimate Deliverer, this verse highlights the human responsibility to actively participate in the process of liberation, exercising wisdom and decisive action. It aligns with the biblical call to flee from evil and pursue righteousness, recognizing that spiritual complacency or procrastination in the face of danger can lead to ruin.

* [Psalm 124:7](/psalms/124-7 "Psalm 124:7 - Our Soul Has Escaped")
* [Proverbs 22:26-27](/proverbs/22-26 "Proverbs 22:26-27 - Another Warning Against Suretyship")
* [2 Timothy 2:22](/2_timothy/2-22 "2 Timothy 2:22 - Flee Youthful Lusts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:5 offers a timeless and urgent call to action, reminding us that when we find ourselves in a "snare"—whether financial, relational, emotional, or spiritual—procrastination is a luxury we cannot afford. Just as a roe or a bird instinctively flees for its life, we are called to act with the same immediate, desperate resolve. This means recognizing the danger, humbling ourselves if necessary, and taking decisive steps to extricate ourselves from harmful commitments, toxic relationships, or destructive habits. It encourages us to cultivate a keen awareness of potential traps and to respond with courage and swiftness, prioritizing our freedom and well-being above pride or convenience. The wisdom here is not just about avoiding traps, but about the critical, life-preserving action required once one is caught.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "snares" or entanglements in your life currently demand immediate, decisive action for deliverance?**
* **In what areas might you be procrastinating or rationalizing, rather than acting with the urgency of a roe or a bird?**
* **How does the concept of "delivering thyself" balance with the understanding that God is our ultimate Deliverer?**
* **What practical steps can you take *today* to begin escaping a situation that compromises your well-being or spiritual integrity?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "snare" is Proverbs 6:5 primarily referring to?**

Answer: While the imagery of the hunter and fowler is general, the immediate literary context of [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warning Against Suretyship") indicates that the primary "snare" in view is the dangerous financial commitment of suretyship, or guaranteeing a debt for another. This practice could lead to severe personal and financial ruin if the principal defaulted, effectively trapping the guarantor in servitude or poverty. However, the wisdom principle extends to any situation where one finds themselves dangerously entangled.

**Does "Deliver thyself" imply that God is not involved in our deliverance?**

Answer: Not at all. In the broader biblical narrative, God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate Deliverer and Rescuer ([Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God My Deliverer")). However, Proverbs often emphasizes human responsibility, prudence, and the active role we play in applying wisdom. "Deliver thyself" is an imperative to take initiative and act decisively, recognizing that God often works *through* our obedient and wise actions. It's a call to proactive faith, not a denial of divine power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 6:5 speaks to the urgent need for self-deliverance from earthly snares, its underlying theme of rescue from entrapment finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity, caught in the snare of sin and death, was utterly incapable of "delivering itself" from the hand of the ultimate fowler, Satan, and the hunter, death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Deliverance from Death")). Christ, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), did not flee from the snare but willingly entered it, becoming entangled with our sin on the cross, so that He might "snatch away" or "deliver" us from its dominion ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He broke the power of the fowler's trap, setting the captives free and providing the ultimate escape from spiritual death into abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). Thus, while Proverbs calls us to flee from earthly dangers, Christ is the One who has already secured our eternal escape, empowering us to live lives of freedom from sin's entanglement ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6-7 - Freed from Sin")).

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 91:3

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence.

Psalms 124:7

Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

Proverbs 1:17

Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

Psalms 11:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee [as] a bird to your mountain?