Proverbs 24:11
If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
Original Language Analysis
לְקֻחִ֣ים
them that are drawn
H3947
לְקֻחִ֣ים
them that are drawn
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
2 of 7
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
לַמָּ֑וֶת
unto death
H4194
לַמָּ֑וֶת
unto death
Strong's:
H4194
Word #:
3 of 7
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
וּמָטִ֥ים
and those that are ready
H4131
וּמָטִ֥ים
and those that are ready
Strong's:
H4131
Word #:
4 of 7
to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall
Historical Context
Israel's law required helping even enemies in danger (Exodus 23:4-5). The good Samaritan parable teaches active love for endangered neighbors. Christians throughout history rescued abandoned infants, opposed slavery, and defended the oppressed.
Questions for Reflection
- Who in your sphere of influence is 'drawn unto death' that you could help?
- What injustices or dangers are you aware of that demand your intervention?
Analysis & Commentary
'Deliver them that are drawn unto death'—this commands intervening to rescue those facing destruction. Whether literal execution, oppression, or spiritual danger, believers must not stand idle when they can help. The second clause intensifies: 'those that are ready to be slain'—people on death's threshold. This could include false imprisonment, infanticide, human trafficking, or any unjust threat to life. The principle extends spiritually: rescue the perishing through gospel proclamation. Verse 12 anticipates the excuse 'We knew it not'; God knows hearts and will judge our inaction. Love compels action; indifference reveals hard hearts. We're our brother's keepers, responsible to help when we can. Silence and inaction make us complicit.