Proverbs 23:13
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּמְנַ֣ע
Withhold
H4513
תִּמְנַ֣ע
Withhold
Strong's:
H4513
Word #:
2 of 9
to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury
מִנַּ֣עַר
from the child
H5288
מִנַּ֣עַר
from the child
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
3 of 9
(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 latit
מוּסָ֑ר
not correction
H4148
מוּסָ֑ר
not correction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תַכֶּ֥נּוּ
for if thou beatest
H5221
תַכֶּ֥נּוּ
for if thou beatest
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
6 of 9
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
בַ֝שֵּׁ֗בֶט
him with the rod
H7626
בַ֝שֵּׁ֗בֶט
him with the rod
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
7 of 9
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
Cross References
Proverbs 19:18Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.Proverbs 13:24He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.Proverbs 29:15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.Proverbs 29:17Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Historical Context
Biblical and historical parenting included corporal discipline as normal and necessary. Modern rejection of this wisdom has coincided with widespread familial and social breakdown.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you faithfully disciplining your children or allowing fear of their displeasure to prevent correction?
- How does understanding discipline's eternal stakes motivate faithful parenting?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Withhold not correction from the child' commands parents to discipline children consistently and appropriately. The second clause addresses parental fear: 'if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.' Physical discipline, properly administered, isn't harmful but beneficial. Modern society recoils from corporal punishment, but biblical wisdom affirms its necessity. The 'rod' isn't abuse but controlled correction that teaches consequences. Verse 14 explains the stakes: such discipline delivers the soul from hell. Faithful discipline aims at the child's eternal good, not parental convenience. Love disciplines; false love indulges. Parents must overcome sentimentality and fear to fulfill their duty of correcting children toward righteousness.