Proverbs 7:22 kjv

He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

Proverbs 7:22 nkjv

Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks,

Proverbs 7:22 niv

All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose

Proverbs 7:22 esv

All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast

Proverbs 7:22 nlt

He followed her at once,
like an ox going to the slaughter.
He was like a stag caught in a trap,

Proverbs 7 verses

Proverbs 7 22 Meaning

Proverbs 7:22 vividly portrays a young man's immediate and unthinking surrender to temptation, leading directly to destruction. The verse employs two powerful similes: he goes after the immoral woman as blindly as an ox to the slaughterhouse or a foolish, recalcitrant man being led to his inevitable punishment in stocks. It emphasizes a fatal lack of awareness and a self-destructive rush towards ruin, illustrating the inescapable consequences of embracing folly and illicit desires.

Proverbs 7 22 Context

Proverbs chapter 7 serves as a father's passionate and detailed warning to his son against the seductive power of an adulteress or immoral woman. The chapter opens with an exhortation to cling to wisdom and instruction, likened to precious heirlooms. It then paints a vivid, almost theatrical scene where the wise speaker observes a naive, undiscerning young man walking near the immoral woman's house at twilight. Verses 10-21 describe her cunning strategy: her alluring attire, bold demeanor, flattering words, and feigned piety (claiming peace offerings) to lure the youth. Verse 22, along with verse 23, climaxes this narrative by illustrating the swift, unthinking response of the young man, directly paralleling his action to an animal led to slaughter or a fool going to punishment. It underscores the ease with which one can fall into a fatal snare when devoid of wisdom and discernment, oblivious to the imminent danger. Historically, such figures presented real dangers to societal order and individual well-being within ancient Israelite culture, emphasizing the importance of sexual purity and fidelity within the covenant community.

Proverbs 7 22 Word analysis

• Immediately (פִּתְאוֹם - pīṯ'ōm): This adverb signifies suddenness, unexpectedly, or without delay. It highlights the youth's haste and lack of deliberation or second thought before plunging into temptation. There is no pause for consideration or a moment to heed wisdom; the action is impulsive, underscoring his grave imprudence. This swiftness tragically removes any opportunity for repentance or change of course, sealing his fate.
• he went after her (הָלַךְ אַחֲרֶיהָ - hālaḵ aḥărehā): Halak means "to walk" or "to go," and aḥărehā means "after her." This phrase indicates not just a casual stroll, but an active pursuit or following. The young man is not merely tempted; he actively engages in pursuing the temptress, moving towards the path of destruction that she represents. This is a deliberate, albeit misguided, choice on his part.
• as an ox (כְּשׁוֹר - kĕšôr): The Hebrew word shor refers to a large male bovine, typically an ox or a bull. This simile emphasizes the youth's strong yet unwitting nature, akin to a domesticated animal. An ox is powerful, but when led to slaughter, it is utterly docile, lacking awareness or resistance concerning its imminent demise. This comparison underlines the young man's immense strength being channeled towards his own destruction, without perception of the ultimate outcome.
• goes to the slaughter (לֶטֶבַח - leṭevaḥ): Ṭevaḥ denotes "slaughter," "massacre," or "butchering." This word starkly depicts the finality and violent end awaiting the ox. By extension, it signifies the fatal outcome of the young man's choice: not just a mistake or setback, but a path leading directly to death or spiritual destruction. The image invokes the idea of a sacrifice, where the animal’s life is forfeited.
• or as a fool (וְכֶעָקַס - ūḵəʿāqaṣ): The Hebrew word ʿāqaṣ here is a rare word (hapax legomenon) and has been interpreted in various ways. Many English translations derive its meaning as "to the stocks" or "fetters" from its connection to the idea of binding or punishment, aligning with the broader context of consequences. In this context, the 'fool' (ʾewīl in wider wisdom literature context) is not merely intellectually deficient but morally corrupt, one who scorns instruction and refuses to learn. He is stubborn and blind to truth.
• to the stocks (interpreted meaning of ʿāqaṣ): This signifies a place or instrument of public punishment and restraint, typically for the feet or hands, indicating inescapable bondage and humiliation. It implies the inevitability of facing severe, perhaps legal or societal, consequences for one’s folly, from which there is no escape. The path chosen by the fool leads directly to their just retribution.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Immediately he went after her": This phrase encapsulates the unthinking impulsiveness and lack of discernment. The danger isn't hidden; it's a known pitfall that the youth consciously, though perhaps thoughtlessly, pursues, bypassing any moment of wisdom or caution. This immediate reaction indicates a character flaw—a desire overpowering judgment.
• "as an ox goes to the slaughter": This powerful simile portrays a stark picture of tragic unawareness. The ox, a strong and valuable animal, is docilely led to its certain death, oblivious to its fate. Similarly, the young man, possessing vitality and potential, follows the path of temptation, completely ignorant or unconcerned that it leads directly to his ruin—be it physical, social, moral, or spiritual death. This highlights the deceptiveness of temptation and the self-destructive nature of sin.
• "or as a fool to the stocks": This parallel simile further deepens the portrayal of irreversible doom. The "fool" (an individual characterized by moral depravity and stubborn refusal of wisdom in Proverbs) is not simply making an error but is intrinsically drawn towards punishment and confinement. This imagery suggests that just as one is naturally drawn to and accepts punishment when foolish, the youth is blindly heading for a place of confinement, restriction, or bitter recompense. The 'stocks' imply a public and painful consequence for his folly, indicating a loss of freedom and dignity, resulting from his morally reckless actions. The comparison underscores that just as a fool's actions inevitably lead to correctional discipline or confinement, the youth's surrender to the harlot will inevitably lead him to severe consequences and entrapment.

Proverbs 7 22 Bonus section

The imagery used in Proverbs 7:22 relies heavily on familiar experiences of ancient Israel: the domestic animal being led for slaughter, likely for food or sacrifice, and the common practice of punishing criminals in public stocks. This makes the consequence immediate and relatable for the original audience. The youth's failure is presented as a classic tragic flaw of character in wisdom literature – the lack of understanding (lev) or wisdom that prevents discerning good from evil and predicting the outcomes of actions. The phrase "go to the slaughter" not only indicates physical death but also spiritual and social ruin, leading to an erosion of reputation, wealth, and connection with God and community. This verse functions as a vivid object lesson, designed to instill caution and fear of sin's consequences through compelling, almost brutal, metaphor.

Proverbs 7 22 Commentary

Proverbs 7:22 offers a potent illustration of how unbridled desire, unchecked by wisdom and discipline, leads to swift and certain destruction. The young man's "immediate" response signifies a perilous lack of internal resistance and forethought. His eagerness to pursue temptation without discernment parallels the ox's unsuspecting walk to the slaughter: powerful yet vulnerable, unknowingly advancing towards a violent end. The alternative image of the fool headed for the stocks underscores the public shame and painful entrapment that awaits those who consistently reject instruction. This verse, therefore, is not merely a warning against sexual sin, but a profound caution against any unexamined passion that leads one into an irresistible and destructive path, highlighting the critical importance of discernment, self-control, and heeding divine wisdom to avoid fatal pitfalls.