King James Version

What Does Proverbs 6:3 Mean?

Proverbs 6:3 in the King James Version says “Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make s...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend. and make: or, so shalt thou prevail with thy friend”

Proverbs 6:3 · KJV

Context

1

My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

2

Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

3

Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend. and make: or, so shalt thou prevail with thy friend

4

Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

5

Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Read Proverbs 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Solomon provides urgent counsel for escaping unwise surety: humble yourself, go immediately, and plead earnestly. The Hebrew 'raphash' (humble/abase yourself) demands swallowing pride—a key Reformed theme. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. The threefold imperative (do this, go, make sure) shows the seriousness of the situation. This verse teaches that recognizing our foolish decisions and acting swiftly to rectify them demonstrates wisdom and humility before God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'make sure thy friend' literally means 'storm' or 'importune' your neighbor. In ancient business culture, persistence and direct confrontation were expected when seeking release from obligations.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you needed to humble yourself to correct a mistake? How did God use that experience?
  2. Why is immediate action emphasized in dealing with financial or spiritual entanglements?
  3. How does this passage challenge modern notions of pride and saving face?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
עֲשֵׂ֨ה1 of 13

“Do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

זֹ֥את2 of 13
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אֵפ֪וֹא׀3 of 13

“this now”

H645

strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then

בְּנִ֡י4 of 13

“my son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְֽהִנָּצֵ֗ל5 of 13

“and deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

כִּ֘י6 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָ֤אתָ7 of 13

“thyself when thou art come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְכַף8 of 13

“into the hand”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

רֵעֶֽיךָ׃9 of 13

“of thy friend”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

לֵ֥ךְ10 of 13
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הִ֝תְרַפֵּ֗ס11 of 13

“humble”

H7511

to trample, i.e., prostrate

וּרְהַ֥ב12 of 13

“thyself and make sure”

H7292

to urge severely, i.e., (figuratively) importune, embolden, capture, act insolently

רֵעֶֽיךָ׃13 of 13

“of thy friend”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

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 6:3 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 6:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 4:102 Samuel 24:14Psalms 31:82 Chronicles 36:12Exodus 10:32 Chronicles 12:5

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