Proverbs 5:20 kjv

And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

Proverbs 5:20 nkjv

For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, And be embraced in the arms of a seductress?

Proverbs 5:20 niv

Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man's wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?

Proverbs 5:20 esv

Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?

Proverbs 5:20 nlt

Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman,
or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?

Proverbs 5 verses

Proverbs 5 20 Meaning

This verse is a profound rhetorical question, designed to challenge the wisdom and discernment of the "son" (the hearer). It questions the underlying reasons for being lured into illicit intimacy with a woman who is not one's wife – whether she is an adulteress or simply one with whom intimacy is forbidden by divine and societal law. It strongly implies that there is no legitimate or wise reason to become "captivated" or "embrace the bosom" of such a woman, urging reflection on the folly and destructive nature of such a choice.

Proverbs 5 20 Context

Proverbs 5 forms part of a series of warnings from a father figure to his "son" (a disciple or young man) concerning the dangers of sexual immorality. The immediate context of Proverbs 5 (and extending to Chapters 6 and 7) is a direct, urgent admonition against succumbing to the temptations of the "forbidden woman" or "strange woman."

The chapter opens with a plea to attend to wisdom's counsel (Prov 5:1-2), immediately followed by a vivid portrayal of the seductive yet ultimately destructive nature of the adulteress (Prov 5:3-6). It contrasts her smooth words with the bitter end she brings. This specific verse, Proverbs 5:20, acts as a pivotal rhetorical question, challenging the son's internal logic and pushing him to recognize the inherent folly of pursuing such a path, especially when legitimate intimacy is presented as an alternative (Prov 5:15-19). Historically, this advice would have resonated deeply in ancient Israelite society where family lineage, marital fidelity, and adherence to covenant law were foundational to social and spiritual well-being. Adultery was a grave offense, threatening societal order and carrying severe legal penalties. The "strange woman" could refer to a literal foreigner introducing pagan practices or, more broadly, any woman who tempts one outside the bounds of covenantal marriage.

Proverbs 5 20 Word analysis

• Why should you (לָ֭מָּה lammah) - This rhetorical interrogative powerfully conveys strong disapproval. It's not a genuine question seeking information but one implying that there is no logical or wise reason for such an action, challenging the listener to recognize the foolishness.
• my son (בְּנִי bəni) - This term of endearment and instruction underscores the intimate and paternal nature of the teaching. It's a father's heartfelt appeal to his offspring, highlighting the desire for the son's welfare.
• be captivated (תִשְׁגֶּה tishgeh) - From the root שָׁגָה (shagah), meaning "to err," "go astray," "wander," or "be led astray." It implies not merely attraction but a fundamental deviation from the right path, a loss of moral direction, or a deluded state where one loses control and judgement. It is a state of moral disorientation.
• by an adulteress (בְּזָרָה bəzārah) - From the root זָרָה (zarah), meaning "strange" or "foreign." In this context, it refers to a woman who is not one's wife, a harlot, or specifically an adulteress. The "foreignness" here is not primarily about nationality, but rather her moral and covenantal standing – she is outside the rightful bounds of marital covenant and purity, thus "foreign" to proper order.
• Why embrace (וְלָ֣מָּה תְחַבֵּק wəlamah təḥabbēq) - The repetition of "Why" (לָ֫מָּה) reinforces the rhetorical nature and adds intensity to the questioning. "Embrace" (תְחַבֵּק təḥabbēq) from חָבַק (ḥābaq) denotes a clasping, a physical intimacy and closeness, suggesting the deep physical and emotional bond associated with sexual union.
• the bosom (חֵ֣ק ḥeq) - Refers to the chest or lap, symbolizing a place of deep intimacy, warmth, security, and cherished closeness. To embrace the bosom is to enter into a profound physical and personal relationship. The verse asks why such an intimate connection would be sought with one forbidden.
• of a forbidden woman (נָכְרִיָּה nokhrîyah) - Similar to bəzārah (strange/adulteress), this word (from נָכְרִי nokhrî) also means "foreign" or "alien." It further emphasizes her illicit status. She is "foreign" not just in the sense of being an outsider, but because engaging with her transgresses established divine and community boundaries. Her nature is antithetical to fidelity and righteous living.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Why should you, my son, be captivated": This opening sets the tone of severe warning, using the direct appeal of "my son" to convey urgent paternal care. The phrase implies a moral misstep, where the son allows himself to be lured and misguided, losing control and sense.
• "by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of a forbidden woman?": The parallelism uses two distinct terms for the illicit woman ("adulteress" and "forbidden woman") and two verbs for intimate engagement ("captivated" and "embrace the bosom"), yet both converge on the same strong warning. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the prohibition against illicit intimacy and highlights the destructive end of such choices. It starkly contrasts the perceived initial pleasure with the inherent danger, challenging the logic of trading wholesome satisfaction for forbidden destruction.

Proverbs 5 20 Bonus section

The rhetorical questions posed in Proverbs 5:20 serve to expose the irrationality inherent in choosing immediate gratification over long-term well-being and covenant faithfulness. By asking "Why should you...?" and "Why embrace...?", the text aims to jolt the recipient into recognizing that yielding to such temptations is fundamentally contrary to wisdom and life itself. It subtly implies a lack of genuine fulfillment or lasting satisfaction in forbidden pursuits, directing the wise listener to understand that true joy and security are found within God-ordained boundaries, as detailed in the surrounding verses that encourage marital fidelity and delight in one's own spouse (Prov 5:15-19). This strategic questioning transforms the prohibition from a mere command into a deeply personal call for thoughtful discernment.

Proverbs 5 20 Commentary

Proverbs 5:20 is a sharp, rhetorical challenge presented by wisdom to the "son," compelling him to confront the utter illogic of pursuing an illicit relationship. The verse implicitly argues that there is no sensible or righteous justification for being "captivated" by a "forbidden woman." The father is not asking for information but rather to provoke self-reflection on the extreme foolishness of such a path. "Captivated" implies not only physical entanglement but also being misled or morally adrift. The "bosom," representing ultimate intimacy, highlights that this forbidden connection seeks deep physical and emotional union where none should exist outside of lawful marriage.

The dual description of the woman as both an "adulteress" (zarah) and a "forbidden woman" (nokhrîyah) emphasizes her "otherness"—her alienation from the covenant standards of purity and fidelity. This "foreignness" applies not only to her lack of familial ties to the listener but more significantly to her character and the moral threat she poses. Ultimately, the verse serves as a crucial boundary marker, guarding against the enticement of momentary, illicit pleasure which invariably leads to devastating long-term consequences, underscoring God's design for exclusive marital union as the proper sphere for intimacy.