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let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let’s swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, like those who go down to the pit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, as those who go down to the pit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, as those who go down to the pit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, as those who go down to the pit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Let us swallow them alive like Sheol (the place of the dead), Even whole, as those who go down to the pit [of death];<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let’s swallow them alive, like Sheol, whole, like those who go down to the Pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let&#8217s swallow them alive, like Sheol, still healthy as they go down to the Pit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Let us swallow them up alive as Sheol, And whole, as those that go down into the pit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They're well and healthy now, but we'll finish them off once and for all. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Let us swallow them up alive as Sheol, and whole, as those that go down into the pit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />We'll swallow them alive like the grave, like those in good health who go into the pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They may be alive and well when we find them, but they'll be dead when we're through with them! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Let's swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those who go down into the Pit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />We will swallow them alive like Sheol, those full of vigor like those going down to the Pit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />let's swallow them up alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down into the pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Let’s swallow them up alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down into the pit. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />We swallow them as Sheol—alive, "" And whole—as those going down [to] the pit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> We swallow them as Sheol -- alive, And whole -- as those going down to the pit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />We will swallow them down living, as hades, and whole, as they going down to the pit:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Let us swallow him up alive like hell, and whole as one that goeth down into the pit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Let us swallow him alive, like Hell, and whole, like one descending into the pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Let us swallow them alive, like Sheol, whole, like those who go down to the pit! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />like Sheol let us swallow them alive and whole, like those who go down to the Pit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let us swallow them up alive, as Sheol swallows the living, and whole as those who go down into the pit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And we will swallow him alive like Sheol, and one without blemish like those descending into the pit;<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Let us swallow them up alive as the grave, And whole, as those that go down into the pit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and let us swallow him alive, as Hades <i>would</i>, and remove the memorial of him from the earth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/1-12.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=68" 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/1.htm">The Enticement of Sin</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1104.htm" title="1104: niḇ·lā·‘êm (V-Qal-Imperf.h-1cp:: 3mp) -- To swallow down, swallow up, engulf. A primitive root; to make away with; generally, to destroy.">let us swallow them</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yîm (N-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">alive</a> <a href="/hebrew/7585.htm" title="7585: kiš·’ō·wl (Prep-k:: N-cs) -- Or shol; from sha'al; Hades or the world of the dead, including its accessories and inmates.">like Sheol,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8549.htm" title="8549: ū·ṯə·mî·mîm (Conj-w:: Adj-mp) -- Complete, sound. From tamam; entire; also integrity, truth.">and whole</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: kə·yō·wr·ḏê (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To come or go down, descend. ">like those descending</a> <a href="/hebrew/953.htm" title="953: ḇō·wr (N-ms) -- A pit, cistern, well. From buwr; a pit hole.">into the Pit.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>We will find all manner of precious goods; we will fill our houses with plunder.…<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="/psalms/55-15.htm">Psalm 55:15</a></span><br />Let death seize them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, for evil is with them in their homes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/16-30.htm">Numbers 16:30-33</a></span><br />But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.” / As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open, / and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/24-19.htm">Job 24:19</a></span><br />As drought and heat consume the melting snow, so Sheol steals those who have sinned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/28-1.htm">Psalm 28:1</a></span><br />Of David. To You, O LORD, I call; be not deaf to me, O my Rock. For if You remain silent, I will be like those descending to the Pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-14.htm">Isaiah 5:14</a></span><br />Therefore Sheol enlarges its throat and opens wide its enormous jaws, and down go Zion’s nobles and masses, her revelers and carousers!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/141-7.htm">Psalm 141:7</a></span><br />As when one plows and breaks up the soil, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/32-18.htm">Ezekiel 32:18-32</a></span><br />“Son of man, wail for the multitudes of Egypt, and consign her and the daughters of the mighty nations to the depths of the earth with those who descend to the Pit: / Whom do you surpass in beauty? Go down and be placed with the uncircumcised! / They will fall among those slain by the sword. The sword is appointed! Let them drag her away along with all her multitudes. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/63-9.htm">Psalm 63:9</a></span><br />But those who seek my life to destroy it will go into the depths of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-9.htm">Isaiah 14:9-11</a></span><br />Sheol beneath is eager to meet you upon your arrival. It stirs the spirits of the dead to greet you—all the rulers of the earth. It makes all the kings of the nations rise from their thrones. / They will all respond to you, saying, “You too have become weak, as we are; you have become like us!” / Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-14.htm">Psalm 49:14</a></span><br />Like sheep they are destined for Sheol. Death will be their shepherd. The upright will rule them in the morning, and their form will decay in Sheol, far from their lofty abode.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-8.htm">Revelation 6:8</a></span><br />Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-40.htm">Matthew 12:40</a></span><br />For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-23.htm">Luke 16:23</a></span><br />In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-27.htm">Acts 2:27</a></span><br />because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:</p><p class="hdg">swallow</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/35-25.htm">Psalm 35:25</a></b></br> Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1,2</a></b></br> To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/57-3.htm">Psalm 57:3</a></b></br> He shall send from heaven, and save me <i>from</i> the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.</p><p class="hdg">as the</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/5-9.htm">Psalm 5:9</a></b></br> For <i>there is</i> no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part <i>is</i> very wickedness; their throat <i>is</i> an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/3-13.htm">Romans 3:13</a></b></br> Their throat <i>is</i> an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps <i>is</i> under their lips:</p><p class="hdg">whole</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/16-30.htm">Numbers 16:30-33</a></b></br> But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that <i>appertain</i> unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/26-10.htm">Numbers 26:10</a></b></br> And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/28-1.htm">Psalm 28:1</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, <i>if</i> thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/124-3.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/psalms/141-8.htm">Death</a> <a href="/psalms/141-7.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-11.htm">Let's</a> <a href="/psalms/143-4.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/psalms/143-7.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/psalms/141-7.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/psalms/150-2.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/psalms/84-3.htm">Swallow</a> <a href="/psalms/143-7.htm">Underworld</a> <a href="/psalms/138-1.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-2.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-32.htm">Death</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-5.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-18.htm">Let's</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-2.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-14.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-5.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-8.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-2.htm">Swallow</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-5.htm">Underworld</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-22.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-1.htm">The use of the proverbs</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">An exhortation to fear God, and believe his word</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-10.htm">to avoid the enticing of sinners</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Wisdom complains of her contempt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">She threatens her contemners</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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>let us swallow them alive like Sheol</b><br>This phrase uses vivid imagery to convey the intent of the wicked. "Swallow them alive" suggests a sudden and complete destruction, akin to the fate of those who are taken by Sheol, the Hebrew term for the realm of the dead. In biblical context, Sheol is often depicted as an insatiable entity (<a href="/proverbs/30-15.htm">Proverbs 30:15-16</a>) that consumes without mercy. This reflects the nature of sin and evil, which seeks to devour and destroy life. The comparison to Sheol emphasizes the severity and finality of the wicked's intentions. The imagery also recalls the rebellion of Korah in <a href="/numbers/16-30.htm">Numbers 16:30-33</a>, where the earth opened and swallowed them alive, serving as a divine judgment. This serves as a warning against aligning with those who plot harm.<p><b>and whole like those descending into the Pit</b><br>The term "whole" suggests being taken in one's entirety, without any part left behind, indicating a complete and utter ruin. The "Pit" is another term for Sheol, reinforcing the idea of death and destruction. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the Pit was often associated with a place of no return, a final resting place for the dead. This phrase underscores the totality of the threat posed by the wicked, who seek to bring others to a state of irreversible ruin. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the ultimate fate of those who reject wisdom and righteousness. The imagery of descending into the Pit can also be seen as a type of Christ's descent into death, where He conquered the grave and rose again, offering hope and redemption to those who believe (<a href="/ephesians/4-9.htm">Ephesians 4:9-10</a>). This contrast highlights the choice between following the path of the wicked or embracing the life offered through Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/sheol.htm">Sheol</a></b><br>In Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and silence where the departed spirits reside. It is often used metaphorically to describe the grave or death itself.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_pit.htm">The Pit</a></b><br>This term is often synonymous with Sheol, representing a deep, dark place associated with death and destruction. It conveys the idea of being trapped or consumed by evil.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of <a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm">Proverbs 1</a> involves the enticement of sinners and the wicked who plot harm against others for personal gain.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_deceptive_nature_of_sin.htm">The Deceptive Nature of Sin</a></b><br>Sin often presents itself as harmless or even beneficial, but its ultimate goal is to lead us to destruction, much like being swallowed by Sheol.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_following_the_wicked.htm">The Consequences of Following the Wicked</a></b><br>Associating with those who plot evil can lead to our own downfall. We must be discerning about the company we keep.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_spiritual_death.htm">The Reality of Spiritual Death</a></b><br>Just as Sheol represents physical death, there is a spiritual death that comes from living apart from God's wisdom and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_repentance.htm">The Urgency of Repentance</a></b><br>Understanding the dire consequences of sin should lead us to repentance and a desire to align our lives with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_hope_of_redemption.htm">The Hope of Redemption</a></b><br>While the imagery of Sheol and the Pit is grim, the Bible offers hope through Christ, who conquered death and offers eternal life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_qoheleth_in_ecclesiastes.htm">Who is Qoheleth in the Book of Ecclesiastes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_skeptics_verify_god's_response_in_psalm_28_1.htm">In Psalm 28:1, how can a skeptic scientifically verify whether God truly answers or remains silent to human pleas?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_acts_13_36-37_align_with_scripture.htm">Acts 13:36-37: Paul claims David 'saw corruption' while Jesus did not; how is this consistent with other scriptural passages about bodily decay and resurrection?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_david_calling_messiah_'lord'_contradict.htm">Mark 12:35-37: How can David refer to the Messiah as 'Lord' if the Messiah is supposedly his descendant, and does this contradict genealogies in other biblical texts?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">Alive.</span>--Comp. the death of Dathan and Abiram (<a href="/numbers/16-30.htm" title="But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain to them, and they go down quick into the pit; then you shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.">Numbers 16:30</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let us swallow them up alive as the grave.</span> A continuation of ver. 11, expanding the idea of bloodshed ending in murder, and showing the determination of the sinners to proceed to the most violent means to effect their covetous ends. The enticement here put before youth is the courage and boldness of their exploits (Wardlaw). The order of the words in the original is, "Let us swallow them up, as the grave, living," which sufficiently indicates the meaning of the passage. <span class="accented">Alive</span>; <span class="hebrew">חַיִּים</span> (<span class="accented">khayyim</span>)<span class="accented">, i.e.</span> "the living," refers to the pronomiual suffix in <span class="hebrew">נִבְלָעֵם</span> (<span class="accented">niv'laem</span>), as in the Authorized Version and Zockler (cf. <a href="/psalms/55-15.htm">Psalm 55:15</a>; <a href="/psalms/124-3.htm">Psalm 124:3</a>). Umbreit and Hitzig are grammatically incorrect in connecting <span class="hebrew">כִּשְׁאול</span> (<span class="accented">kish'ol</span>) "as the grave," with "the living," and translating "like the pit (swallows) that which lives." The <span class="hebrew">כִּ</span> (<span class="accented">ki</span>) with a substantive, as here in <span class="accented">kish'ol</span>, is a preposition, said not a conjunction (see Gesenius, 'Lexicon'). It denotes a kind of resemblance, but does not introduce a coordinate sentence. The allusion is undoubtedly in the teacher's mind to the fate of Korah and his company (<a href="/numbers/16-30.htm">Numbers 16:30-33</a>), and as in that case "the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up" in the flush of life, so here the robbers say that they will as suddenly and effectively destroy their victims, <span class="hebrew">בָּלַע</span> (<span class="accented">dala</span>); from which <span class="accented">niv'laem</span>, in a figurative sense, means "to destroy utterly" (Geseuius). The change from the singular, "the innocent" (<span class="hebrew">לְנָקִי</span>, <span class="accented">l'naki</span>), to the plural in "let us swallow <span class="accented">them</span> up," is noticeable. <span class="accented">Like the pit</span> (<span class="hebrew">כִּשְׁאול</span> <span class="accented">kish'ol</span>); literally, <span class="accented">like Sheol</span>, or <span class="accented">Hades</span>, the great subterranean cavity or world of the dead. The all-devouring and insatiable character of sheol is described in <a href="/proverbs/27-20.htm">Proverbs 27:20</a>, where the Authorized Version translates "Hell (<span class="accented">sheol</span>) and destruction are never full," and again in <a href="/proverbs/30-15.htm">Proverbs 30:15</a>, where it (<span class="accented">sheol</span>, Authorized Version, "the grave") is classed with the four things that are never satisfied. Vulgate, <span class="accented">infernus</span>; LXX., <span class="greek">ᾅδης</span>. And whole, as those that go down into the pit. The parallelism of ideas requires that the word "whole" (<span class="hebrew">תְּמִימִים</span>, <span class="accented">t'mimim</span>) should be understood of those physically whole (see Mercerus, Delitzsch), and not in a moral sense, as the <span class="accented">upright</span> (Luther, Grief, Holden, Plumptre). The word is used in an ethical signification in <a href="/proverbs/2-21.htm">Proverbs 2:21</a>. Gesenius gives it the meaning of "safe, secure." <span class="accented">Those that go down into the pit</span> (<span class="hebrew">יורדֵי בור</span>, <span class="accented">yorde vor</span>); <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the dead. The phrase also occurs in <a href="/psalms/28-1.htm">Psalm 28:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/30-4.htm">Psalm 30:4</a>; <a href="/psalms/88-4.htm">Psalm 88:4</a>; <a href="/psalms/143-7.htm">Psalm 143:7</a>; <a href="/isaiah/38-18.htm">Isaiah 38:18</a>). <span class="accented">The pit</span> (<span class="hebrew">בור</span>, <span class="accented">vor</span>); or, <span class="accented">the sepulchre</span>, the receptacle of the dead, is here synonymous with <span class="accented">sheol.</span> The LXX. substitutes for the latter part of the verse, <span class="greek">Καὶ ἄρωμεν αὐτοῦ τὴν</span> <span class="greek">μνήμην ἐκ γῆς</span>, "And let us remove his memory from the earth." The robbers, by drawing a comparison between themselves and Hades and the grave, which consign to silence all who are put therein, imply their own security against detection. They will so utterly destroy their victims that none will be left to tell the tale (see Musset, <span class="accented">in loc.</span>). This, we know, is a fancied, and at the best only a temporary, security. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/1-12.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">let us swallow them</span><br /><span class="heb">נִ֭בְלָעֵם</span> <span class="translit">(niḇ·lā·‘êm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1104.htm">Strong's 1104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To swallow down, swallow up, engulf</span><br /><br /><span class="word">alive</span><br /><span class="heb">חַיִּ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like Sheol,</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּשְׁא֣וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(kiš·’ō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7585.htm">Strong's 7585: </a> </span><span class="str2">Underworld (place to which people descend at death)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and whole</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝תְמִימִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ṯə·mî·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8549.htm">Strong's 8549: </a> </span><span class="str2">Entire, integrity, truth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like those descending</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּי֣וֹרְדֵי</span> <span class="translit">(kə·yō·wr·ḏê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into the Pit.</span><br /><span class="heb">בֽוֹר׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḇō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_953.htm">Strong's 953: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pit, cistern, well</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/1-12.htm">Proverbs 1:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/1-12.htm">Proverbs 1:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/1-12.htm">Proverbs 1:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/1-12.htm">Proverbs 1:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/1-12.htm">Proverbs 1:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/1-12.htm">Proverbs 1:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/1-12.htm">Proverbs 1:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/1-12.htm">Proverbs 1:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/1-12.htm">Proverbs 1:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/1-12.htm">Proverbs 1:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/1-12.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:12 Let's swallow them up alive like Sheol (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/1-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 1:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 1:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/1-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 1:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 1:13" /></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>