Proverbs 7:8 kjv

Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

Proverbs 7:8 nkjv

Passing along the street near her corner; And he took the path to her house

Proverbs 7:8 niv

He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house

Proverbs 7:8 esv

passing along the street near her corner, taking the road to her house

Proverbs 7:8 nlt

He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman,
strolling down the path by her house.

Proverbs 7 verses

Proverbs 7 8 Meaning

Proverbs 7:8 describes the foolish young man's dangerous progression towards sin, detailing his precise path: he moves through a common street, specifically lingers near the harlot's strategic corner, and then, with deliberate intent, goes directly to her house. This verse captures the critical transition from being in the vicinity of temptation to actively pursuing and entering into its stronghold.

Proverbs 7 8 Context

Proverbs chapter 7 serves as a powerful fatherly admonition against the dangers of sexual immorality, embodied by the "strange woman" or harlot. This entire chapter meticulously describes her deceptive tactics, her enticing words, and the tragic fate of those who fall prey to her. The young man in verse 8 is explicitly identified in earlier verses (7:7) as "void of understanding," highlighting his naiveté and vulnerability. The verse is part of a vivid narrative, presenting a common scene in ancient Near Eastern cities where certain women operated from specific, often known, locations to entice passersby. It sets the stage for the full unfolding of the seduction process, moving from the general presence to specific interaction and ultimate downfall inside her home. The social and cultural context shows a distinct danger of sexual sin within community life.

Proverbs 7 8 Word analysis

• Passing through (עָבַר - 'avar): To pass over, through, by; to proceed. This indicates active, intentional movement rather than passive presence. It's a chosen direction, not an accidental stumbling.

• The street (חוּץ - chuts): Outside, the street, open country, a public thoroughfare. It is a common space where one might reasonably be, but it also carries potential for encounter with danger.

• Near her corner (פֵּאָה - pe'ah): Corner, side, edge. This signifies a specific, targeted location where the temptress would position herself. It's often a place of ambush, where she could observe, intercept, and draw attention. It moves beyond just the general "street" to a particular, known point of engagement.

• And he went (הָלַךְ - halakh): To walk, go, journey. This reiterates active, continued motion, reinforcing the young man's initiative in pursuing this course. It is not being led by force, but following a path.

• The way (דֶּרֶךְ - derekh): Way, path, road. A recurring theme in Proverbs, derekh represents one's conduct, lifestyle, or moral course. Choosing a derekh implies a commitment to its trajectory and destination.

• To her house (בַּיִת - bayith): House, dwelling, home. This is the ultimate destination, the private, enclosed space where the act of transgression is completed and where the dire consequences of the encounter fully manifest. It represents the point of no return for the foolish youth.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Passing through the street near her corner": This phrase details the initial proximity and the critical decision point. The youth isn't merely on the street but moves to "her corner"—a place explicitly associated with the harlot's operations. This signifies a move from general presence to specific, vulnerable positioning. It's a stage where observation and perhaps initial engagement occur, showing an increasing gravitation towards the danger rather than away from it.
  • "and he went the way to her house": This signifies the culmination of the young man's deliberate, step-by-step approach. Having placed himself near the source of temptation, he actively proceeds to its inner sanctuary. This progression illustrates the perilous journey from entertaining a thought or being in a tempting environment, to making the conscious choice to enter into sin's full embrace. His choice of "way" seals his immediate fate.

Proverbs 7 8 Bonus section

The detailed geographical description in Proverbs 7:8 ("street," "corner," "house") functions as more than mere scenery; it's a profound metaphor for the subtle yet steady progression into sin. It underscores that temptation often doesn't appear as a sudden, overwhelming force but as a series of seemingly small, increasing engagements. The "corner" can be seen as the moment of lingering or pausing when one should be turning away. This specific pause allows the harlot's eventual address and enticing words (as detailed in subsequent verses). The verse, therefore, highlights human responsibility in yielding to temptation by failing to create distance at the critical early stages, making allowances for curiosity, or entertaining thoughts about prohibited things rather than fleeing from them. It speaks to the critical importance of self-governance and vigilance in the unseen battle against lust and deceit.

Proverbs 7 8 Commentary

Proverbs 7:8 vividly illustrates the seductive progression from initial vulnerability to outright folly. The description is not merely geographic but profoundly moral, depicting the pathway to destruction. The "street" represents a common ground where the naive young man might legitimately be, but "her corner" marks a place of strategic waiting and pre-meditation by the temptress. This implies a conscious move closer to the specific locus of temptation, demonstrating a lack of discernment or active avoidance. The final step, "he went the way to her house," seals his fate. This isn't an accidental encounter but a deliberate choice to enter the domain of sin. The verse highlights the gradual, yet critical, steps toward moral collapse, driven by a "void of understanding" and an attraction to the very place where danger resides. It serves as a stern warning: avoiding the path of sin means staying far from its known haunts and even its approach, rather than merely passing through or lingering near them. The path chosen directly leads to the consequence outlined later in the chapter – destruction.

• Practical usage example: Like a moth drawn to a flame, the young man gravitates toward the harlot's territory. This reminds believers to not merely tolerate tempting environments but to actively remove themselves. If a certain website or social media account, or group of friends, consistently draws one towards lust or other vices, Proverbs 7:8 counsels not just "passing through" but avoiding "her corner" and definitely not going "the way to her house" by unfollowing, leaving the group, or setting clear boundaries.