Proverbs 23:14
Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Original Language Analysis
בַּשֵּׁ֣בֶט
him with the rod
H7626
בַּשֵּׁ֣בֶט
him with the rod
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
2 of 6
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
תַּכֶּ֑נּוּ
Thou shalt beat
H5221
תַּכֶּ֑נּוּ
Thou shalt beat
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
3 of 6
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
וְ֝נַפְשׁ֗וֹ
his soul
H5315
וְ֝נַפְשׁ֗וֹ
his soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Proverbs 22:15Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.1 Corinthians 5:5To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.1 Corinthians 11:32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Historical Context
Israelite law prescribed severe penalties for persistent rebellion, showing how seriously God views parental authority and children's obedience as foundational to covenant community health.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you discipline with the eternal perspective that you're training a soul, not merely modifying behavior?
- How does God's fatherly discipline of you inform your approach to disciplining children?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Proper discipline 'shall deliver his soul from hell'—the stakes are eternal. Physical correction aims at spiritual salvation by training children in righteousness, teaching consequences, and breaking stubborn will. This doesn't mean discipline saves (only Christ does), but faithful parenting is a means God uses to bring children to faith. Discipline teaches that actions have consequences, authority must be obeyed, and sin brings punishment—preparing hearts for gospel truth. Parents who refuse discipline risk their children's souls. Hebrews 12:5-11 applies this principle to God's fatherly discipline of believers. Earthly discipline reflects and teaches about divine discipline aimed at holiness and ultimate blessing.