Proverbs 7:16 kjv

I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

Proverbs 7:16 nkjv

I have spread my bed with tapestry, Colored coverings of Egyptian linen.

Proverbs 7:16 niv

I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt.

Proverbs 7:16 esv

I have spread my couch with coverings, colored linens from Egyptian linen;

Proverbs 7:16 nlt

My bed is spread with beautiful blankets,
with colored sheets of Egyptian linen.

Proverbs 7 verses

Proverbs 7 16 Meaning

Proverbs 7:16 describes the elaborate and enticing preparations made by the adulterous woman to lure her unsuspecting victim. She meticulously decorates her bed with luxurious and expensive coverings, specifically mentioning high-quality woven linens from Egypt. This preparation is a sensory trap, appealing to the flesh and indicating a deliberate, lavish set-up for immorality and sin.

Proverbs 7 16 Context

Proverbs chapter 7 serves as a vivid parabolic warning from a father to his son concerning the destructive path of sexual immorality, specifically the seductive allure of the adulterous woman. The verse "I have spread my bed with coverings, with richly woven linens from Egypt" is part of the harlot's manipulative monologue. She is detailing how she has prepared her private dwelling, the inner sanctum of her temptation, to ensnare the naive young man. The chapter contrasts the wisdom that leads to life with the folly that leads to death. Historically, Egypt was renowned for its high-quality linen, making it a symbol of luxury and expense, far beyond common means. The specific mention of Egyptian textiles emphasizes the deliberate and lavish nature of her preparations, signaling opulence and an overt appeal to sensuous pleasure, often associated with a lifestyle outside of Israel's covenant purity. This reflects the societal value placed on material goods as indicators of status and comfort, which the harlot shamelessly exploits.

Proverbs 7 16 Word analysis

• I have spread: Hebrew ratsat or rabbati (רַבַּדְתִּי), derived from rabbah, meaning to spread out, arrange, or bedeck lavishly. It implies deliberate and excessive preparation, not just tidying. This is a purposeful act of creating an enticing environment for sin.
• my bed: Hebrew mittati (מִטָּתִי), refers to a couch or bed. In this context, it unequivocally signifies the place of sexual intimacy and illicit relations. The "my" emphasizes her possession and control of this space for her designs.
• with coverings: Hebrew marrabaddim (מַרְבַדִּים), usually refers to rugs, tapestries, or elaborate bedspreads. It denotes decorative elements designed for comfort, luxury, and visual appeal, enhancing the allure of the space.
• with richly woven linens: Hebrew chatubot etun Mizraim (חֲטֻבוֹת אֵטוּן מִמִּצְצִרַיִם). This phrase is significant:
  • chatubot (חֲטֻבוֹת): Literally "cut out," "carved," or "striped/decorated." Implies patterned, intricate, or highly ornamental designs, indicating sophistication and expense.
  • etun (אֵטוּן): Refers to linen or a specific kind of strong, fine thread, often Egyptian.
  • Mizraim (מִמִּצְרָיִם): "from Egypt." Egypt was famous for its superior linen and textile industry, as referenced in other scriptures (e.g., Is 19:9, Ezek 27:7). This adds a layer of exotic luxury, costliness, and possibly an allusion to pagan sensuality associated with foreign influences.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "I have spread my bed": Reveals the active and intentional nature of her seduction. Her domain, her initiative.
  • "with coverings, with richly woven linens from Egypt": This extensive description emphasizes the harlot's calculated use of material luxury and sensory appeal as bait. The expense and quality signify her dedication to ensnaring her victim through opulent surroundings, appealing to the desire for comfort and indulgence. The Egyptian origin subtly points to a foreign, worldly, and possibly idolatrous influence contrasted with the simple purity of covenant living.

Proverbs 7 16 Bonus section

The detailed description of the bed's luxurious coverings appeals strongly to the sense of sight and touch, part of the harlot's multi-sensory attack (which also includes her perfumes in verse 17, and flattering words in verse 21, appealing to smell and hearing respectively). This sensory overload is designed to bypass the young man's reason and moral defenses, trapping him in a world of immediate gratification. The contrast is clear: wisdom often calls for restraint and simplicity, while folly revels in excess and elaborate sensual indulgence. The specific mention of Egypt ties into broader biblical themes where Egyptian practices or goods were sometimes associated with spiritual danger or worldly alliances, contrasting with God's commands for holiness and separation.

Proverbs 7 16 Commentary

Proverbs 7:16, spoken by the seductress, paints a picture of deliberate and artful enticement. She does not merely invite; she meticulously prepares her environment to overwhelm the senses and disarm moral judgment. The lavish "coverings" and "richly woven linens from Egypt" signify extreme luxury and worldly allure, representing material temptation. These expensive items not only suggest her own affluent-yet-illicit lifestyle but also serve as a bait, promising a world of forbidden pleasure and comfort to the young, naïve man. This verse starkly highlights how external adornments and sensual experiences can be skillfully employed by folly to lead individuals away from wisdom and into destruction, serving as a powerful warning to discern the true nature behind attractive facades. The focus is not on her personal beauty here, but on the carefully crafted setting designed to facilitate transgression, setting the stage for the rest of her manipulative appeal.