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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 23:13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/23-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/20_Pro_23_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 23:13 - True Riches" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/23-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/23-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm" title="Proverbs 23:12">◄</a> Proverbs 23:13 <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm" title="Proverbs 23:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t fail to discipline your children. The rod of punishment won’t kill them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Withhold not correction from the child: for <i>if</i> thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not withhold correction from a child, For <i>if</i> you beat him with a rod, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not withhold discipline from a child; Though you strike him with the rod, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you beat him with the rod, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not withhold discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not withhold discipline from the child; If you swat him with a <i>reed-like</i> rod [applied with godly wisdom], he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t withhold discipline from a youth; if you punish him with a rod, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t withhold discipline from a youth; if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Withhold not correction from the child; For if thou beat him with the rod, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't fail to correct your children. You won't kill them by being firm, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beat him with the rod, he shall not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not hesitate to discipline a child. If you spank him, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't hesitate to discipline children. A good spanking won't kill them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with a rod, he won't die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not withhold discipline from a child; even if you strike him with the rod, he will not die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not withhold discipline from a youth, "" When you strike him with a rod he does not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Withhold not from a youth chastisement, When thou smitest him with a rod he dieth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not withhold instruction from youth: if thou shalt strike him with a rod he shall not die.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Withhold not correction from a child: for if thou strike him with the rod, he shall not die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do not be willing to take away discipline from a child. For if you strike him with the rod, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not withhold discipline from youths; if you beat them with the rod, they will not die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not withhold discipline from your children; if you beat them with a rod, they will not die.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Do not withhold chastisement from a child; for if you beat him, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not withhold discipline from a boy, because if you strike him, he does not die.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Withhold not correction from the child; For though thou beat him with the rod, he will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Refrain not from chastening a child; for if thou beat him with the rod, he shall not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/23-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4666" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">True Riches</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4513.htm" title="4513: tim·na‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To withhold, hold back. A primitive root; to debar from benefit or injury.">withhold</a> <a href="/hebrew/4148.htm" title="4148: mū·sār (N-ms) -- Discipline, chastening, correction. From yacar; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint.">discipline</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: min·na·‘ar (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">from a child;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">although</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: ṯak·ken·nū (V-Hifil-Imperf-2ms:: 3mse) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">you strike him</a> <a href="/hebrew/7626.htm" title="7626: ḇaš·šê·ḇeṭ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe. From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. a stick Or a clan.">with a rod,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">he will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yā·mūṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">die.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Proverbs 13:24</a></span><br />He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Proverbs 19:18</a></span><br />Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Hebrews 12:5-11</a></span><br />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? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/8-5.htm">Deuteronomy 8:5</a></span><br />So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Proverbs 22:15</a></span><br />Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Proverbs 29:15</a></span><br />A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-17.htm">Proverbs 29:17</a></span><br />Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/3-13.htm">1 Samuel 3:13</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-14.htm">2 Samuel 7:14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-19.htm">Revelation 3:19</a></span><br />Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/5-17.htm">Job 5:17</a></span><br />Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/94-12.htm">Psalm 94:12</a></span><br />Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, and teach from Your law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-71.htm">Psalm 119:71</a></span><br />It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Withhold not correction from the child: for if you beat him with the rod, he shall not die.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Proverbs 13:24</a></b></br> He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Proverbs 19:18</a></b></br> Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Proverbs 29:15,17</a></b></br> The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left <i>to himself</i> bringeth his mother to shame… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/99-8.htm">Although</a> <a href="/psalms/89-23.htm">Beat</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-20.htm">Beatest</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Chastisement</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Child</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Correction</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-13.htm">Death</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Die</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Punish</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Smitest</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-26.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Training</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">Withhold</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/27-6.htm">Although</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Beat</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Beatest</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-16.htm">Chastisement</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-22.htm">Child</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Correction</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Death</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-7.htm">Die</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-11.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Punish</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Smitest</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-17.htm">Training</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-7.htm">Withhold</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Consider carefully what is before you</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do not withhold discipline from a child;</b><br>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 <a href="/hebrews/12-6.htm">Hebrews 12:6</a>, where it states that the Lord disciplines those He loves, suggesting that discipline is an act of love and care.<p><b>although you strike him with a rod,</b><br>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 <a href="/psalms/23-4.htm">Psalm 23:4</a>, 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.<p><b>he will not die.</b><br>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 <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Proverbs 19:18</a>, which advises disciplining a child while there is hope, indicating that timely correction can prevent future harm.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/children.htm">Children</a></b><br>The primary focus of this verse is on children, representing those who are under the care and guidance of parents or guardians.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/parents/guardians.htm">Parents/Guardians</a></b><br>The implied audience of this proverb, responsible for the upbringing and discipline of children.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which these proverbs were written, where discipline was a common and accepted practice in child-rearing.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_rod.htm">The Rod</a></b><br>A symbol of discipline and correction, often used metaphorically in the Bible to represent guidance and instruction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discipline.htm">The Importance of Discipline</a></b><br>Discipline is a crucial aspect of child-rearing, intended to guide children towards wisdom and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_rod.htm">Understanding the Rod</a></b><br>The "rod" symbolizes correction and should be understood in the context of loving guidance rather than harsh punishment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_love_and_correction.htm">Balancing Love and Correction</a></b><br>Effective discipline is rooted in love and aims to teach and protect, not harm or provoke.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/long-term_perspective.htm">Long-term Perspective</a></b><br>Proper discipline prepares children for future challenges and helps them develop a strong moral foundation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_discipline.htm">Reflecting God's Discipline</a></b><br>Parental discipline should mirror God's loving correction, which is always aimed at our growth and well-being.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_proverbs_23_13-14_fit_today.htm">Proverbs 23:13–14 advises using a rod for discipline; how does this align with modern views on child welfare? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'spare_the_rod'_mean.htm">What does 'spare the rod, spoil the child' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_corporal_punishment.htm">What does the Bible say about corporal punishment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_29_15_support_corporal_punishment.htm">Proverbs 29:15 supports the 'rod and reproof'; does this promote corporal punishment and conflict with modern ethics or child-development studies?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">He shall not die</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>a moderate correction, such as that advised in <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm" title="Chasten your son while there is hope, and let not your soul spare for his crying.">Proverbs 19:18</a> (see note), will not injure him--quite the reverse.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - An injunction to the tutor or parent (comp. <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Proverbs 13:24</a>; <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Proverbs 19:18</a>; <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Proverbs 22:15</a>; <a href="/proverbs/29-17.htm">Proverbs 29:17</a>). <span class="cmt_word">For if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.</span> This has been understood in various senses; <span class="accented">e.g.</span> "Though than scourge him, that correction will not kill him;<span class="accented">....</span>If thou chastise him, thou wilt save him from the doom of the rebellious son" (<a href="/deuteronomy/21-18.htm">Deuteronomy 21:18-21</a>); 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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/23-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">withhold</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּמְנַ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(tim·na‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4513.htm">Strong's 4513: </a> </span><span class="str2">To debar, from benefit, injury</span><br /><br /><span class="word">discipline</span><br /><span class="heb">מוּסָ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(mū·sār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4148.htm">Strong's 4148: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from a child;</span><br /><span class="heb">מִנַּ֣עַר</span> <span class="translit">(min·na·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">although</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you strike him</span><br /><span class="heb">תַכֶּ֥נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯak·ken·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with a rod,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַ֝שֵּׁ֗בֶט</span> <span class="translit">(ḇaš·šê·ḇeṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7626.htm">Strong's 7626: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">die.</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמֽוּת׃</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:13 Don't withhold correction from a child (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 23:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 23:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>