Proverbs 23:13
New International Version
Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.

New Living Translation
Don’t fail to discipline your children. The rod of punishment won’t kill them.

English Standard Version
Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.

Berean Standard Bible
Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die.

King James Bible
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

New King James Version
Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.

New American Standard Bible
Do not withhold discipline from a child; Though you strike him with the rod, he will not die.

NASB 1995
Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.

NASB 1977
Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you beat him with the rod, he will not die.

Legacy Standard Bible
Do not withhold discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.

Amplified Bible
Do not withhold discipline from the child; If you swat him with a reed-like rod [applied with godly wisdom], he will not die.

Christian Standard Bible
Don’t withhold discipline from a youth; if you punish him with a rod, he will not die.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Don’t withhold discipline from a youth; if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.

American Standard Version
Withhold not correction from the child; For if thou beat him with the rod, he will not die.

Contemporary English Version
Don't fail to correct your children. You won't kill them by being firm,

English Revised Version
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beat him with the rod, he shall not die.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Do not hesitate to discipline a child. If you spank him, he will not die.

Good News Translation
Don't hesitate to discipline children. A good spanking won't kill them.

International Standard Version
Don't withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with a rod, he won't die.

Majority Standard Bible
Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die.

NET Bible
Do not withhold discipline from a child; even if you strike him with the rod, he will not die.

New Heart English Bible
Do not withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.

Webster's Bible Translation
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

World English Bible
Don’t withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Do not withhold discipline from a youth, "" When you strike him with a rod he does not die.

Young's Literal Translation
Withhold not from a youth chastisement, When thou smitest him with a rod he dieth not.

Smith's Literal Translation
Thou shalt not withhold instruction from youth: if thou shalt strike him with a rod he shall not die.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Withhold not correction from a child: for if thou strike him with the rod, he shall not die.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Do not be willing to take away discipline from a child. For if you strike him with the rod, he will not die.

New American Bible
Do not withhold discipline from youths; if you beat them with the rod, they will not die.

New Revised Standard Version
Do not withhold discipline from your children; if you beat them with a rod, they will not die.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Do not withhold chastisement from a child; for if you beat him, he will not die.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Do not withhold discipline from a boy, because if you strike him, he does not die.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Withhold not correction from the child; For though thou beat him with the rod, he will not die.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Refrain not from chastening a child; for if thou beat him with the rod, he shall not die.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
True Riches
12Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. 13Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die. 14Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol.…

Cross References
Proverbs 13:24
He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.

Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.

Hebrews 12:5-11
And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. / For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” / Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? ...

Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.

Deuteronomy 8:5
So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.

Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

Proverbs 29:15
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

Proverbs 29:17
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.

1 Samuel 3:13
I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them.

2 Samuel 7:14
I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.

Revelation 3:19
Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.

Job 5:17
Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

Psalm 94:12
Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, and teach from Your law,

Psalm 119:71
It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.


Treasury of Scripture

Withhold not correction from the child: for if you beat him with the rod, he shall not die.

Proverbs 13:24
He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Proverbs 19:18
Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

Proverbs 29:15,17
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame…

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Although Beat Beatest Chastisement Child Correction Death Die Dieth Discipline Hold Punish Rod Smitest Strike Training Withhold Youth
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Although Beat Beatest Chastisement Child Correction Death Die Dieth Discipline Hold Punish Rod Smitest Strike Training Withhold Youth
Proverbs 23
1. Consider carefully what is before you














Do not withhold discipline from a child;
Discipline in the biblical context is often associated with guidance and correction rather than punishment. The Hebrew culture placed a strong emphasis on the family unit and the role of parents in teaching their children. Proverbs, as wisdom literature, underscores the importance of discipline as a means to impart wisdom and moral integrity. The concept of discipline is also echoed in Hebrews 12:6, where it states that the Lord disciplines those He loves, suggesting that discipline is an act of love and care.

although you strike him with a rod,
The "rod" in ancient Israelite culture was a symbol of authority and correction. It was not necessarily a tool for physical punishment but rather a metaphor for guidance and instruction. The shepherd's rod, for example, was used to guide and protect sheep, not harm them. This imagery is consistent with Psalm 23:4, where the rod and staff comfort the psalmist. The use of the rod here is intended to convey the seriousness of imparting wisdom and the necessity of corrective measures to ensure a child's proper development.

he will not die.
This phrase emphasizes the protective nature of discipline. In the ancient Near Eastern context, discipline was seen as a means to preserve life by steering individuals away from destructive paths. The assurance that "he will not die" suggests that proper discipline leads to life and growth, aligning with the broader biblical theme that wisdom and obedience to God's ways lead to life. This is further supported by Proverbs 19:18, which advises disciplining a child while there is hope, indicating that timely correction can prevent future harm.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and guidance.

2. Children
The primary focus of this verse is on children, representing those who are under the care and guidance of parents or guardians.

3. Parents/Guardians
The implied audience of this proverb, responsible for the upbringing and discipline of children.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which these proverbs were written, where discipline was a common and accepted practice in child-rearing.

5. The Rod
A symbol of discipline and correction, often used metaphorically in the Bible to represent guidance and instruction.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Discipline
Discipline is a crucial aspect of child-rearing, intended to guide children towards wisdom and righteousness.

Understanding the Rod
The "rod" symbolizes correction and should be understood in the context of loving guidance rather than harsh punishment.

Balancing Love and Correction
Effective discipline is rooted in love and aims to teach and protect, not harm or provoke.

Long-term Perspective
Proper discipline prepares children for future challenges and helps them develop a strong moral foundation.

Reflecting God's Discipline
Parental discipline should mirror God's loving correction, which is always aimed at our growth and well-being.(13) He shall not die--i.e., a moderate correction, such as that advised in Proverbs 19:18 (see note), will not injure him--quite the reverse.

Verse 13. - An injunction to the tutor or parent (comp. Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 19:18; Proverbs 22:15; Proverbs 29:17). For if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. This has been understood in various senses; e.g. "Though than scourge him, that correction will not kill him;....If thou chastise him, thou wilt save him from the doom of the rebellious son" (Deuteronomy 21:18-21); or, "He shall not die eternally," which rather anticipates the conclusion in the next verse. The expression merely means - Do not be weak, thinking that you will injure your child by judicious correction, and in this fear withholding your hand; but punish him firmly when necessary, and, far from harming him, you will be doing him the greatest good.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

withhold
תִּמְנַ֣ע (tim·na‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4513: To debar, from benefit, injury

discipline
מוּסָ֑ר (mū·sār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4148: Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint

from a child;
מִנַּ֣עַר (min·na·‘ar)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

although
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you strike him
תַכֶּ֥נּוּ (ṯak·ken·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

with a rod,
בַ֝שֵּׁ֗בֶט (ḇaš·šê·ḇeṭ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

he will not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

die.
יָמֽוּת׃ (yā·mūṯ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:13 Don't withhold correction from a child (Prov. Pro Pr)
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