Proverbs 4:15
Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
Original Language Analysis
פְּרָעֵ֥הוּ
Avoid
H6544
פְּרָעֵ֥הוּ
Avoid
Strong's:
H6544
Word #:
1 of 7
to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
2 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
וַעֲבֹֽר׃
from it and pass away
H5674
וַעֲבֹֽר׃
from it and pass away
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
3 of 7
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
Cross References
Ephesians 5:11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.Job 22:23If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.1 Thessalonians 5:22Abstain from all appearance of evil.Job 11:14If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.Exodus 23:7Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.Isaiah 33:15He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
Historical Context
Mosaic Law repeatedly commanded separation from pagan practices (Deuteronomy 7:1-6). Israel's calling was to be holy (separated) unto Yahweh. Compromise with surrounding nations' evils led to apostasy and judgment. New Testament similarly commands believers to separate from worldliness (2 Corinthians 6:17; James 4:4).
Questions for Reflection
- What evil paths do you need to avoid entirely rather than merely manage carefully?
- How can you turn away decisively from temptations you've been minimizing?
- What practical steps create separation from evil influences in your life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Avoid evil's path entirely - don't go, don't pass, turn away, pass on. Four imperatives emphasize complete avoidance. The Hebrew verbs create urgency: 'bo' (come not into it), 'abar' (go not), 'satar' (avoid it), 'abar' (pass away). This isn't passive resistance but active evasion. Wisdom requires decisively turning from evil, not flirting with it or minimizing proximity. Complete separation is necessary.