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

PROVERBS 1:11KJV
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Proverbs 1:11 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 1:11 mean?

Proverbs 1:11 describes a situation where a group invites someone to join them in ambushing innocent people, planning violence against those who have done nothing wrong. The verse warns about being enticed by others to do harm for no good reason.

In this part of Proverbs, a father is speaking to his child, warning about the dangers of falling in with the wrong crowd. The verse uses strong language to show how some people may secretly plot against the innocent, highlighting the seriousness of such temptation and the need to resist it.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 1:11

  • "wait" (אֲרֹבָה, ’arovah, from H693): This word often means to lie in ambush, suggesting a hidden, deliberate plan to harm. It emphasizes the sneaky and premeditated nature of the violence being discussed.
  • "blood" (דָּם, dam, from H1818): The Hebrew word here points directly to violence that could lead to death or serious injury, making clear that the intent is not just robbery or mischief, but potentially murder.
  • "lurk" (צָפַן, tsafan, from H6845): This word means to hide or conceal oneself, again stressing the secretive, underhanded aspect of the plan.
  • "innocent" (נָקִי, naqi, from H5355): The Hebrew term means someone who is guiltless or blameless, underlining that the intended victims have done nothing to deserve harm.
  • "cause" (חִנָּם, hinnam, from H2600): This word means "without reason" or "for nothing," showing that there is no justification for the planned attack.

Why Proverbs 1:11 matters

  • Proverbs 1:11 makes clear that the temptation described is not just to mischief, but to serious, even deadly wrongdoing, helping the reader see the gravity of the warning.
  • The verse highlights how peer pressure can lead to actions that are both secretive and deeply unjust, sharpening the sense of moral danger.
  • By focusing on the innocence of the victims and the lack of any cause, Proverbs 1:11 sets up a strong contrast between right and wrong, which is a key theme in the opening chapters of Proverbs.

Where else these words appear

“lurk” Hebrew H6845 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 2:2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.
  • Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
  • Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

“cause” Hebrew H2600 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 29:15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
  • Job 2:3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
  • Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

“wait” Hebrew H693 · used in 40 verses

  • Deuteronomy 19:11 But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:
  • Judges 16:9 Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.
  • Job 31:9 If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;

“innocent” Hebrew H5355 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 24:41 Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.
  • Joshua 2:20 And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
  • Psalms 15:5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.