Proverbs 6:5 kjv

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

Proverbs 6:5 nkjv

Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Proverbs 6:5 niv

Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

Proverbs 6:5 esv

save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Proverbs 6:5 nlt

Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter,
like a bird fleeing from a net.

Proverbs 6 verses

Proverbs 6 5 Meaning

Proverbs 6:5 urges swift and desperate self-rescue from an entanglement, likened to an animal escaping a life-threatening snare. It specifically refers to the peril of becoming surety for another, where one's financial freedom and even personhood become jeopardized. The verse commands immediate, forceful action to disentangle oneself from such a bond, illustrating the dire consequences and the urgent need for decisive action before complete ruin ensues.

Proverbs 6 5 Context

Proverbs chapter 6 begins with a solemn warning against the perils of becoming surety for a neighbor's debt (6:1-3). In ancient Israel, such an agreement could bind a person legally and financially to another's obligations, potentially leading to servitude or loss of property. The previous verses establish that one is "snared with the words of your mouth," highlighting that this entanglement is self-inflicted by a careless promise. The advice in verse 5 is therefore a direct, urgent counsel to act decisively immediately upon realizing such an error, before the trap fully closes and brings utter ruin. It is an extension of the imperative to humble oneself and plead with the neighbor to be released from the bond (6:3-4). This is practical wisdom concerning financial and social prudence, emphasizing foresight and rapid, resolute action to avoid the consequences of an unwise commitment.

Proverbs 6 5 Word analysis

• Deliver thyself (הִנָּצֵל, hinatsel): This is a Hifil imperative of the Hebrew verb נָצַל (natsal), meaning "to snatch away, rescue, deliver, tear away." While natsal often denotes divine deliverance, here in the Hifil it demands an active, forceful, self-initiated, and urgent rescue operation. It implies a desperate effort to escape a life-threatening situation, emphasizing agency and determination.
• as a roe (כִּצְבִי, kitzvi): The word צְבִי (tsevi) refers to a gazelle or a type of swift deer. These animals are renowned for their extreme agility, quickness, and graceful bounding ability when fleeing predators. The simile conveys the need for immediate, decisive, and rapid action, demonstrating every effort to escape.
• from the hand of (מִיַּד, miy'yad): "Hand" often symbolizes power, control, or grasp. To escape "from the hand of" means to break free from the capture or impending capture of a superior force. It indicates being at the mercy of another and highlights the vulnerable position one is in.
• the hunter (צַיָּד, tsayad): This term refers to one who hunts game, typically with traps or snares, or by active pursuit. The hunter represents the source of immediate and tangible danger, the one who actively seeks to capture and control.
• and as a bird (וּכְצִפּוֹר, ukh'tzippor): The word צִפּוֹר (tsippor) means a small bird. Birds, while able to fly, are particularly vulnerable to snares and nets laid by fowlers. This parallel simile reinforces the imagery of desperate flight and evasion.
• from the hand of (מִיַּד, miy'yad): Reiterated for the second simile, strengthening the idea of escape from control.
• the fowler (יָקוּשׁ, yaqosh): The יָקוּשׁ (yaqosh) is specifically one who traps birds, often through cunning or hidden snares rather than direct pursuit like a hunter. This adds the dimension of being entrapped by subtle means, deception, or carefully laid plans, from which escape requires shrewdness and quick perception.

Word Group Analysis:

• "Deliver thyself as a roe... and as a bird": The double simile powerfully emphasizes the extreme urgency and comprehensive effort required for escape. One must exert the full agility and swiftness of a roe, capable of rapid ground movement and leaping, combined with the quick, elusive evasion of a bird, adept at escaping nets. This illustrates the total, all-consuming focus necessary to avoid disaster.
• "from the hand of the hunter... from the hand of the fowler": These two distinct figures (hunter and fowler) represent different modes of danger or capture. The hunter symbolizes aggressive, overt pursuit and capture, while the fowler represents subtle, cunning entrapment using snares. This means the individual caught in an unwise surety must escape both overt demands and subtle, legal entanglements. Both sources of peril are actively seeking to seize or enslave.

Proverbs 6 5 Bonus section

The Hebrew word natsal (to deliver oneself) can also imply being plucked out or snatched away. This emphasizes not a gentle disentanglement but a forceful and urgent separation, much like pulling a plant violently from the ground to prevent further root entanglement. The context of "hand" of the hunter/fowler further highlights that the entrapment means being fully in the grip or power of another, making the escape a matter of utmost desperation and requiring maximum effort against formidable odds. This vivid imagery points to the deep, soul-level consequence of being snared by one's own words or commitments. The sage emphasizes that escaping folly demands the same primal instinct for survival as an animal escaping a predator, before one is utterly consumed by the consequences.

Proverbs 6 5 Commentary

Proverbs 6:5 delivers an urgent and vivid command for self-extrication. Following the immediate context of becoming surety for a debt, the verse hyperbolically likens this entanglement to a life-threatening snare from which one must flee with every ounce of speed and cunning. It's not passive waiting but aggressive self-rescue. The roe (gazelle) represents swift, agile escape across land, emphasizing quick, physical removal from the situation. The bird signifies evasive action from cunningly laid traps, highlighting the need for vigilance against unseen entanglements. The core message is proactive, immediate disengagement from any ill-advised commitment that could lead to financial or personal bondage. It is a call to take decisive, humble steps to resolve such situations before they escalate into irreparable ruin, stressing that time is of the essence when one is caught in a self-imposed trap.

• Practical Usage Examples:
  • Financial entanglement: Swiftly and humbly address overwhelming debt or a binding loan agreement made unwisely, before losing assets.
  • Unwise promise: Immediately clarify or withdraw from a thoughtless verbal commitment that could cause significant harm or bondage.
  • Habitual sin: Desperately flee from a persistent sin pattern or tempting situation, as if your very spiritual life depends on breaking free instantly.