Proverbs 1:12

12 Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave ; let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.

Proverbs 1:12 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 1:12

Let us swallow them up alive as the grave
The innocent person, and those that are with him, his servants; our gang is so numerous that we can very easily dispatch him and all his attendants, and bury them out of sight at once, as if they were swallowed up alive in a grave, and so no more to be seen or heard of; and consequently we shall be in the utmost safety and security, there being no traces of what is done, nor any left to make a relation of it, or to give any information of us, or to pursue us;

and whole, as those that go down into the pit;
who though whole and in perfect health, shall in a moment be destroyed and cast into the pit, being first plundered of all the riches they have about them; for this swallowing them up alive and whole, which is an allusion to a beast of prey swallowing up another creature all at once, not only intends their cruelty in taking away life, but their rapaciousness in seizing upon their substance.

Proverbs 1:12 In-Context

10 My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!

11 They may say, “Come and join us. Let’s hide and kill someone! Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent!

12 Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave ; let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.

13 Think of the great things we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take.

14 Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.”

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew like Sheol.