Proverbs 7:10 kjv

And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

Proverbs 7:10 nkjv

And there a woman met him, With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.

Proverbs 7:10 niv

Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.

Proverbs 7:10 esv

And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart.

Proverbs 7:10 nlt

The woman approached him,
seductively dressed and sly of heart.

Proverbs 7 verses

Proverbs 7 10 Meaning

Proverbs 7:10 vividly portrays the dangerous nature of the "strange woman" or adulteress, focusing on her active pursuit and her underlying deceitful character. The verse describes her intentionally seeking out her victim, and emphasizes that her suggestive attire is matched by a cunning and treacherous heart, bent on ensnaring the naive. This passage is a warning to those who might be tempted by such external appearance, highlighting that the internal intent is equally, if not more, dangerous.

Proverbs 7 10 Context

Proverbs chapter 7 is a poignant parental instruction, often from a father to a son, warning vehemently against the perils of sexual immorality and the enticement of the adulteress. It's a didactic poem vividly depicting the cunning methods and devastating consequences of being lured by such a woman, who is presented as a primary agent of Folly. This verse (7:10) specifically focuses on the initial encounter, detailing the woman's aggressive posture and deceitful inner disposition. The preceding verses (7:6-9) set the scene by describing the naive young man passing near her house at twilight, making him vulnerable. This chapter serves as a dire warning within the broader wisdom literature of Proverbs, emphasizing discernment and guarding one's heart against paths leading to destruction. Historically, the "strange woman" or "foreign woman" could refer to a literal non-Israelite harlot, or metaphorically to any seductive woman, including an adulteress, whose ways diverge from God's covenant and law. Her actions are depicted as a direct antithesis to the path of wisdom and life.

Proverbs 7 10 Word analysis

• וְהִנֵּה (v'hineh): "And behold!" / "And look!"

  • This is an interjection used to draw immediate attention.
  • It indicates a sudden or noteworthy appearance, creating a sense of immediacy and drama.
  • Suggests the unexpected revelation of a danger, emphasizing the young man's lack of preparedness.

• אִשָּׁה (ishah): "woman."

  • In the broader context of Proverbs 7, this "woman" is the personification of Folly, directly contrasted with Wisdom.
  • Here, she specifically represents an immoral woman, an adulteress, or a prostitute.
  • Her gender is central to her method of temptation.

• לִקְרָאתוֹ (lik'rato): "to meet him" / "to confront him" / "towards him."

  • Derived from the root קרא (qara), meaning "to call," "meet," or "happen upon."
  • The prefix l' (to) implies movement toward an objective.
  • Crucially signifies that her appearance is not coincidental or passive; she is actively seeking him out. She initiates the encounter, illustrating her predatory nature.

• שֵׁת (shet) / שִׁית (shiyth): "attire" / "dress" / "garb."

  • Refers to her specific clothing.
  • The context with זֹונָה (zonah, harlot) makes it clear this is not just any attire, but clothing designed to be provocative or to identify her trade.
  • Her clothing serves as a visible lure, a first point of attraction, signalling her profession or intentions to those who know such signs.

• זֹונָה (zonah): "harlot" / "prostitute."

  • Explicitly defines the character of the woman by her profession.
  • This term grounds the preceding word "attire" firmly in the context of prostitution.
  • Her profession implies a disregard for moral and social boundaries, reinforcing her dangerousness.

• וְנֹצְרַת (v'nots'rat): "and with a watchful/guarded" / "and with a cunning" / "and lying in wait."

  • Feminine participle from נָצַר (natsar), meaning "to watch," "guard," "keep," or "preserve."
  • When applied to the heart in this negative context, it conveys calculation, vigilance for an opportunity, deception, and plotting. Her intentions are carefully concealed but malevolent.

• לֵב (lev): "heart."

  • In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the center of one's being, including intellect, will, emotions, and character.
  • It signifies her inner core, her true disposition.
  • The pairing with "nots'rat" reveals that her outward presentation (attire, pursuit) is merely a manifestation of her inner, wicked scheme. Her heart is not merely lustful, but cunningly set on her prey.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • וְהִנֵּה אִשָּׁה לִקְרָאתוֹ (v'hineh ishah lik'rato): "And behold, a woman to meet him." This phrase dramatically establishes the sudden, active, and predatory nature of the encounter. She is not stumbled upon; she positions herself to intercept and lure.
  • שֵׁת זֹונָה (shet zonah): "attire of a harlot." This describes her immediate visual identity. Her appearance is a deliberate signal of her profession and availability, a key part of her enticement strategy.
  • וְנֹצְרַת לֵב (v'nots'rat lev): "and with a cunning heart." This phrase reveals the internal character that motivates her actions. Her cunning and deceitful nature are central, making her far more dangerous than if she were merely impulsive or overt. Her "heart" is actively guarding/scheming to trap her victim.

Proverbs 7 10 Bonus section

• The deliberate action of the "strange woman" ("to meet him") parallels how temptation often comes not by chance, but actively seeks out vulnerabilities in an individual's life or moral resolve.
• The description of her "crafty heart" ("נֹצְרַת לֵב" - nots'rat lev) carries a strong sense of hidden motive or wicked intention, which the young man is oblivious to. It implies a mind set on securing its evil objective.
• This verse indirectly critiques superficial judgments based solely on outward appearance. While her "attire" identifies her, the true danger lies deeper, within her deceitful character and malicious intent, teaching a lesson on internal versus external realities.
• The entire narrative of Proverbs 7 (including this verse) functions as a warning against being caught unaware by moral dangers, emphasizing foresight and inner vigilance, rather than reacting only when already in the snare.
• The "strange woman" in Proverbs is not only a symbol of sexual sin but also represents any seductive force that draws one away from the path of wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to the Most High. This could include false doctrines, idolatry, or any pursuit that alienates one from God's instruction, making the warning incredibly broad in its spiritual application.

Proverbs 7 10 Commentary

Proverbs 7:10 serves as a crucial point in the father's warning, escalating the threat by revealing the true character of the seductress. Beyond her provocative clothing and physical allure (as hinted in subsequent verses), her active initiation of the encounter and her crafty heart are the most profound dangers. She isn't merely an object of temptation but a calculating hunter. The "attire of a harlot" acts as a uniform, signalling her profession, yet the emphasis quickly shifts from mere appearance to her inner motive—a heart that is watchful, deceitful, and "lying in wait" for prey. This highlights that external temptation often stems from an internal, malicious intent, making the danger multifaceted. The passage teaches the importance of discerning beyond superficial attractions to the corrupt intention that lies beneath. It's a timeless warning about the predatory nature of sin and those who facilitate it, which target the innocent or the morally naive with deliberate, premeditated deceit, not merely accidental stumble.