Proverbs 2:18
Proverbs 2:18 in Multiple Translations
For her house sinks down to death, and her tracks to the departed spirits.
For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
For her house inclineth unto death, And her paths unto the dead;
For her house is on the way down to death; her footsteps go down to the shades:
What happens in her house leads to death; following her way leads to the grave.
Surely her house tendeth to death, and her paths vnto the dead.
For her house hath inclined unto death, And unto Rephaim her paths.
for her house leads down to death, her paths to the departed spirits.
For her house inclineth to death, and her paths to the dead.
And hath forgotten the covenant of her God: for her house inclineth unto death, and her paths to hell.
If you go into houses of women who are like that, you will die when you are still young; the road to their houses leads to hell.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 2:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 2:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
שָׁ֣חָה
אֶל
מָ֣וֶת
בֵּיתָ֑/הּ
וְ/אֶל
רְ֝פָאִ֗ים
מַעְגְּלֹתֶֽי/הָ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׁ֣חָה
shûwach
H7743
to sink
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מָ֣וֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
בֵּיתָ֑/הּ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
רְ֝פָאִ֗ים
râphâʼ
H7496
shade
N-mp
מַעְגְּלֹתֶֽי/הָ
maʻgâl
H4570
track
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 2:18
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁ֣חָה
shûwach
H7743
"to sink"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To sink can be physical, like bowing down, or emotional, like feeling depressed. In the Bible, it can describe someone feeling humble or sad, like when people bowed down to God in worship. It involves lowering oneself.
Definition: 1) to sink down, be bowed down, be humble 1a) (Qal) to sink down 1b) (Hiphil) of depression of the mind
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: bow down, incline, humble. See also: Psalms 44:26; Proverbs 2:18; Lamentations 3:20.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מָ֣וֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
בֵּיתָ֑/הּ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
רְ֝פָאִ֗ים
râphâʼ
H7496
"shade"
N-mp
This word refers to the spirits of the dead, or ghosts, and is only used in the plural form, as seen in Isaiah 14:9.
Definition: ghosts of the dead, shades, spirits
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: dead, deceased. See also: Job 26:5; Proverbs 21:16; Psalms 88:11.
מַעְגְּלֹתֶֽי/הָ
maʻgâl
H4570
"track"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a path or track, either physical or figurative. It can also describe a circular rampart or entrenchment. In the Bible, it is translated as path, trench, or way.
Definition: 1) entrenchment, track 1a) circumvallation, entrenchment 1b) track
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: going, path, trench, way(-side). See also: 1 Samuel 17:20; Proverbs 2:15; Psalms 17:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 2:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 2:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 2:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 2:18
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:18
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 2:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 2:18
Context — The Benefits of Wisdom
16It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words
17who abandons the partner of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God.
18For her house sinks down to death, and her tracks to the departed spirits.
19None who go to her return or negotiate the paths of life. 20So you will follow in the ways of the good, and keep to the paths of the righteous.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 9:18 | But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 | Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. |
| 3 | Proverbs 5:4–14 | in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol. She does not consider the path of life; she does not know that her ways are unstable. So now, my sons, listen to me, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth. Keep your path far from her; do not go near the door of her house, lest you concede your vigor to others, and your years to one who is cruel; lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich the house of a foreigner. At the end of your life you will groan when your flesh and your body are spent, and you will say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my mentors. I am on the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly.” |
| 4 | Revelation 21:8 | But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.” |
| 5 | Galatians 5:19–21 | The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. |
| 6 | Ephesians 5:5 | For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. |
| 7 | Proverbs 7:22–27 | He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap, until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life. Now, my sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth. Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths. For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number. Her house is the road to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death. |
| 8 | Revelation 22:15 | But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. |
| 9 | Proverbs 6:26–35 | For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet? So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished. Men do not despise the thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger. Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house. He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away. For jealousy enrages a husband, and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance. He will not be appeased by any ransom, or persuaded by lavish gifts. |
Proverbs 2:18 Summary
This verse is warning us about the dangers of being seduced by sinful desires and the consequences of following the wrong path. The 'house' of the forbidden woman leads to death, and those who follow her will end up in a place of darkness and separation from God, as seen in Psalm 23:4, where the valley of the shadow of death is a place of fear, but also of God's presence and comfort. By seeking wisdom and following God's commands, we can avoid this path and instead follow the ways of the good, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:20 and in Matthew 7:13-14, which talks about the narrow gate that leads to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'her house' in Proverbs 2:18?
The phrase 'her house' refers to the spiritual state of the forbidden woman, whose ways lead to destruction and death, as seen in Proverbs 2:16-17, where she abandons her partner and forgets her covenant with God, much like the warnings in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 about the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.
What are 'the departed spirits' mentioned in this verse?
The 'departed spirits' likely refer to the realm of the dead or the afterlife, where those who reject God's ways will ultimately end up, as seen in Psalm 9:17, which warns that the wicked will be turned back to Sheol, and in Proverbs 15:24, which says the path of life leads upward for the wise, to escape the grave.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of wisdom in Proverbs?
This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of foolishness, specifically the foolishness of being seduced by the forbidden woman, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom and following God's commands, as emphasized in Proverbs 1:7 and throughout the book of Proverbs, where wisdom is directly tied to the fear of the Lord, as seen in Proverbs 9:10.
What can we learn from the image of 'her tracks' leading to the departed spirits?
The image of 'her tracks' leading to the departed spirits teaches us that our choices and actions have consequences, and following the path of the forbidden woman will lead to spiritual death, as also warned in Romans 6:23, where the wages of sin is death, and in Proverbs 14:12, which says there is a way that seems right to a man but its end is the way of death.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which the world's temptations can lead us down a path of destruction, and how can we guard ourselves against these temptations?
- How does the concept of 'departed spirits' relate to our understanding of the afterlife and the consequences of our choices?
- In what ways can we apply the warning of this verse to our own lives, avoiding the pitfalls of foolishness and seeking wisdom instead?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of accountability and the company we keep, in light of verses like Proverbs 22:24-25, which warns against keeping company with a hot-tempered man?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:18
For her house inclineth unto death,.... Bends, verges, and points that way; it lies in the way to death, and brings unto it, and sinks into it as into a ditch; or all that are in her house, that are
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:18
For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:18
Her house inclineth unto death, conversation with her (which was most free and usual in her own house) is the ready and certain way to death, which it brings many ways; by wasting a man’ s vital spirits, and shortening his life; by exposing him to many and dangerous diseases, which physicians have declared and proved to be the effects of inordinate lust; as also to the fury of jealous husbands or friends, and sometimes to the sword of civil justice, and undoubtedly, without repentance, to God’ s wrath and the second death. This is here mentioned as one great privilege and blessed fruit of wisdom, to be delivered from this evil. Unto the dead; or, as the Chaldee and some others render it, unto the giants, to wit, those rebellious giants, ; or, as others, unto the damned, or unto hell. See for this word 21:16.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:18
Proverbs 2:18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.Ver. 18. For her house inclineth unto death.] Terence calleth harlots Cruces, quia iuvenes macerent et offligant. Venery is death’ s best harbinger: Venus ab antiquis λυσιμελης dicta. She provideth, saith one, not for those that are already born, but for those that shall be born. Of Pope Paul the Fourth, that old goat, it went for a byword, Eum per eandem partem animam profudisse, per quam acceperat. Pope John the Twelfth being taken with an adulteress, was stabbed to death by her husband. Alexander the Great and Otho the Third test their lives by their lusts. But how many, alas! by this means have lost their souls. Fleshly lusts, by a specialty, "fight against the soul." And nothing hath so much enriched hell, saith one, as beautiful faces. And her paths unto the dead.] Heb., El Rhephaim, to the giants: To that part of hell where those damned monsters are, together with those sensual Sodomites, who, giving themselves over to fornication, and "going after strange flesh, are thrown forth, προκεινται, proiecti sunt, for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." The practice or pursuit of sexual pleasure; indulgence of sexual desire.
Jacob. Revius. Barns. παρατω Aδημετατωνγηγενων - Sept.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 2:18
(18) For her house inclineth . . .—Rather, she sinks down with her house: house and all, like Dathan and Abiram. Unto the dead.—In Hebrew the Rephâîm. The word may signify those “at rest” (comp. Job 3:17 : “There the weary are at rest”); or the “weak.” (Comp. Isaiah 14:10 : “Art thou also become weak as we?”)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 2:18
Verse 18. For her house inclineth unto death] It is generally in by and secret places that such women establish themselves. They go out of the high road to get a residence; and every step that is taken towards their house is a step towards death. The path of sin is the path of ruin: the path of duty is the way of safety. For her paths incline unto the dead, רפאים repheim, the inhabitants of the invisible world. The woman who abandons herself to prostitution soon contracts, and generally communicates, that disease, which, above all others, signs the speediest and most effectual passport to the invisible world. Therefore it is said,
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:18
18. her house &c.] It is a steep descent, ending in death. The rendering of R.V. marg., she sinketh down unto death which is her house, is less forcible and impairs the parallelism. the dead] Lit. the Rephaim. The Rephaim were among the Aborigines of Canaan (Genesis 14:5; Genesis 15:20) and were people of giant stature (Deuteronomy 2:11; Deuteronomy 2:20-21, R.V.). They may have come to be identified in the popular mind in the dim retrospect of the past, with the shadowy spectres that loomed large in Sheol (Isaiah 14:9, R.V. marg.). See Smith’s Dict. of Bible, Art. Rephaim.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 2:18
The house of the adulteress is as Hades, the realm of death, haunted by the spectral shadows of the dead (Rephaim, see the Psalms 88:10 note), who have perished there.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:18
18. Her house inclineth unto death — “The house of the adulteress is as hades, the realm of death, haunted by the spectral shadows of the dead, the Rephaim, who have perished there.” — Speaker’s Com. Psalms 88:11; Isaiah 14:9.
Sermons on Proverbs 2:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Holy Spirit—let Him Come by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking the message of God seriously. He warns that we will all face judgment one day and stand before God to give an accou |
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Agreeing to Tempt the Spirit of the Lord by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the season of incredible grace described in Acts chapter 4, where prayers are being answered, signs and wonders are happening, and hearts a |
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Marks of a True Conversion (Become as Little Children to Enter the Kingdom of Heaven) by George Whitefield | In this sermon by George Whitfield, he begins by urging the congregation to examine their own souls and determine if they have truly been converted. He emphasizes the urgency of th |
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I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land and draws parallels to the Christian journey. He emphasizes that the call of G |
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The Shaping of Godly Character by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of the conference, which is the shaping of godly character. He expresses his burden for the Jewish believers in New York City and pr |
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Set Free From Shame by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience to participate in a Bible study. He emphasizes the importance of knowing the truth, as Jesus promised that it would set them fr |
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Directions Against Fornication and Uncleanness by Richard Baxter | Richard Baxter delivers a powerful sermon on the dangers of fornication and uncleanness, emphasizing that no sin is so vile that it cannot be rationalized by frequent engagement. H |