King James Version

What Does Proverbs 1:18 Mean?

Proverbs 1:18 in the King James Version says “And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.”

Proverbs 1:18 · KJV

Context

16

For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

17

Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird . in the: Heb. in the eyes of every thing that hath a wing

18

And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

19

So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

20

Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: Wisdom: Heb. Wisdoms, that is, Excellent wisdom

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Solomon's commentary on the enticement: 'And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.' The irony is devastating—sinners think they're hunting victims but are actually destroying themselves. The boomerang of sin returns to the sender. This reflects the lex talionis (law of retaliation) principle: violent sin produces violent judgment. God's moral universe ensures that those who deal in blood will suffer blood. Self-destruction is sin's inevitable fruit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom literature frequently observed the self-destructive nature of evil. The book of Proverbs returns repeatedly to this theme: sin promises life but delivers death. Historical examples abound—Haman hung on his own gallows (Esther 7:10), Absalom died by his rebellion (2 Samuel 18). The moral universe operates under divine justice; wickedness contains seeds of its own judgment. This principle transcends cultures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sin's self-destructive nature demonstrate God's justice built into the moral fabric of reality?
  2. What does the irony of ambushing themselves teach us about sin's deceptive promise of benefit while delivering harm?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וְ֭הֵם1 of 5
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לְדָמָ֣ם2 of 5

“for their own blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

יֶאֱרֹ֑בוּ3 of 5

“And they lay wait”

H693

to lurk

יִ֝צְפְּנ֗וּ4 of 5

“they lurk privily”

H6845

to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk

לְנַפְשֹׁתָֽם׃5 of 5

“for their own lives”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 1:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 1:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 9:16Esther 7:10Proverbs 5:22-23Proverbs 28:17Psalms 7:14-16Psalms 55:23

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Proverbs 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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