Proverbs 6 34

Proverbs 6:34 kjv

For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

Proverbs 6:34 nkjv

For jealousy is a husband's fury; Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

Proverbs 6:34 niv

For jealousy arouses a husband's fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.

Proverbs 6:34 esv

For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge.

Proverbs 6:34 nlt

For the woman's jealous husband will be furious,
and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.

Proverbs 6 verses

Proverbs 6 34 meaning

Proverbs 6:34 conveys a severe warning regarding the devastating consequences of adultery, specifically from the perspective of the wronged husband's reaction. It states that the jealousy of a betrayed man incites a violent and unforgiving rage, causing him to relentlessly seek retribution and show no mercy. This verse serves as a potent deterrent, highlighting the extreme personal danger faced by an adulterer beyond any financial restitution.

Proverbs 6 34 Context

Proverbs chapter 6 begins with warnings against folly, debt, and laziness, before turning to a significant block of verses (6:20-35) directly warning against adultery. Verse 34 is part of this extended warning, explaining one of the severe practical consequences for the man who engages with another's wife. The context emphasizes that unlike a thief who can repay (even multiple times over) to avert punishment (vv. 30-31), the crime of adultery cannot be similarly appeased. The wronged husband's anger and jealousy are portrayed as insurmountable, beyond any monetary compensation, and will inevitably lead to fierce, unforgiving retaliation. This reflects the ancient Israelite understanding of marital fidelity and the grave dishonor and social upheaval caused by infidelity.

Proverbs 6 34 Word analysis

• For (כִּי, ki): This conjunctive particle serves to introduce the reason or explanation for the preceding statement. In this case, it explains why the adulterer's path leads to destruction (as hinted in Prov 6:33).
• jealousy (קִנְאָה, qin'ah): This Hebrew term carries a strong semantic range, including "zeal," "passion," "ardor," "envy," and "jealousy." While God's qin'ah is righteous and protective, human qin'ah often pertains to possessive, bitter, or envious feelings. In this verse, it specifically denotes the intense, enraged passion of a wronged husband over the invasion of his marital sanctity. This is not mere envy but a protective, territorial, and deeply personal fury. It signifies an overwhelming emotional state that demands singular allegiance and becomes violent when violated.
• makes a man furious / is the rage of a man (חֵמַת־גֶּבֶר, ḥemat-geber): This phrase literally translates to "the heat/fury of a man."
  • חֵמָה (ḥemah): Implies a burning anger, intense wrath, or consuming fury. It often describes divine wrath due to its severity, but here it portrays human anger at its most intense and uncontrolled.
  • גֶּבֶר (geber): Refers to a strong man, a male adult, often highlighting his strength or position. The phrase together describes the intense, almost unbridled, and personally consuming wrath of the wronged husband. This fury is depicted as an unstoppable force.
• and he will not spare (וְלֹא־יַחְמוֹל, v'lo-yaḥmol):
  • לֹא (lo'): The strong negation, "not."
  • יַחְמוֹל (yaḥmol): From the root חָמַל (ḥamal), meaning "to pity," "to have compassion," "to show mercy," or "to spare." The negated form, "he will not spare," emphasizes his utter lack of mercy, pity, or compassion towards the adulterer. This suggests a desire for maximum retribution, unwilling to negotiate or soften the consequences.
• when he takes revenge / in the day of vengeance (בְּיוֹם נָקָם, b'yom naqam):
  • בְּיוֹם (b'yom): "In the day of," indicating a definite time or occasion.
  • נָקָם (naqam): Refers to vengeance, retribution, or retaliation. It implies an active act of requital or paying back for a wrong. The phrase implies that when the husband's opportunity or chosen time for retaliation comes, he will execute it with unyielding force.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "For jealousy... furious": Establishes the cause-and-effect relationship. The unique, powerful, and deeply violated sexual/marital jealousy of a man is the catalyst for an intense and consuming rage. This type of rage is distinguished from other forms of anger due to its origin in such a personal breach.
  • "and he will not spare when he takes revenge": Describes the unyielding nature of this rage. It transcends considerations of pity, mercy, or financial appeasement. The emphasis is on the certainty and severity of the retaliation; the husband's aim is full retribution without any mitigation.

Proverbs 6 34 Bonus section

• Human vs. Divine Jealousy: The Hebrew word qin'ah can describe both human jealousy (often destructive) and God's holy jealousy. God's qin'ah is righteous zeal for His own glory, holiness, and the exclusive devotion of His people (Ex 34:14, Deut 4:24). Human qin'ah in Prov 6:34 is destructive, demonstrating uncontrolled passion leading to merciless acts, contrasting with divine justice which is balanced with mercy (Isa 57:16). This verse serves as a cautionary example of how human passions, even when provoked by a grave wrong, can become uncontrolled and deviate from a path of mercy.
• Wisdom Literature's Practicality: This verse exemplifies the pragmatic nature of Proverbs. It doesn't primarily issue moral prohibitions based on abstract theology but illustrates the severe, tangible consequences of immoral behavior within the social fabric. It's a "flee from this path because of its dangerous outcomes" warning.
• Intensity Compared to Other Passages: The ferocity described in Proverbs 6:34 aligns with the "cruel as the grave" nature of jealousy depicted in Song of Solomon 8:6, emphasizing that this emotion, especially when wounded in such a fundamental way, is powerfully destructive and insatiable. It surpasses rational calculation, making the husband's response utterly unpredictable and dangerous.

Proverbs 6 34 Commentary

Proverbs 6:34 is a pragmatic warning delivered in stark, unambiguous terms, designed to deter a man from committing adultery. It functions as part of a wisdom instruction, laying bare the profound personal danger inherent in violating a marital covenant. The verse does not endorse or prescribe such a furious response, but rather describes the intense and consuming rage (קִנְאָה, qin'ah turning into חֵמָה, ḥemah) that can possess a man whose wife has been betrayed. Unlike other offenses, which might be remedied by monetary compensation (Prov 6:30-31), the defilement of the marriage bed evokes an unforgiving, merciless wrath (לֹא יַחְמוֹל, lo' yaḥmol) from the wronged husband, whose only satisfaction lies in uncompromising vengeance (נָקָם, naqam). This deep-seated anger means the adulterer faces severe personal repercussions that extend far beyond any legal or social fines, potentially even risking his life. The warning is intensely psychological, illustrating the powerful, destructive human emotion of extreme jealousy.