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

PROVERBS 24:11KJV
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Proverbs 24:11 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 24:11 mean?

Proverbs 24:11 warns against ignoring people who are being led to their deaths or are in danger of being killed, urging the reader not to hold back from trying to save them. The verse calls for active intervention when others are facing life-threatening harm.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings attributed to Solomon, directed to anyone seeking wisdom. The verse paints a vivid scene where someone sees others being taken to their deaths—possibly unjustly or helplessly—and is challenged not to stand by passively. The focus is on personal responsibility to help those in mortal danger.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 24:11

  • "Forbear" (חָצָה, ḥāṣāh) means to hold back or refrain. Here, it highlights the temptation to do nothing when witnessing someone in danger.
  • "Deliver" (נָצַל, nāṣal) means to rescue or save. The verse uses this word to stress the importance of taking action to help.
  • "Drawn" (לָקַח, lāqaḥ) means to be taken or led away, often forcefully. The verse describes people being led to death, emphasizing their helplessness.
  • "Death" (מָוֶת, māwet) is the standard Hebrew word for death, making clear the seriousness of the situation.
  • "Ready" (מוּט, mût) often means to totter or be about to fall. Here, it suggests people on the brink of being killed.
  • "Slain" (הָרֵג, hāreg) refers to being killed or slaughtered, underlining the threat faced by these people.

Why Proverbs 24:11 matters

  • Proverbs 24:11 clarifies that wisdom is not just about personal conduct but also about intervening for others in danger, correcting the idea that faith is only private.
  • The verse highlights the moral responsibility to act, not just to avoid wrongdoing, but to prevent harm to others.
  • In the wider context, this proverb fits with other teachings in Proverbs about justice, compassion, and the duty to protect the vulnerable.

Where else these words appear

“slain” Hebrew H2027 · used in 5 verses

  • Esther 9:5 Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.
  • Isaiah 27:7 Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? or is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him?
  • Isaiah 30:25 And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.

“forbear” Hebrew H2820 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 20:6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
  • Job 16:5 But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.
  • Proverbs 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

“ready” Hebrew H4131 · used in 36 verses

  • Leviticus 25:35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
  • Psalms 38:16 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
  • Psalms 96:10 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.