Proverbs 23:27
Proverbs 23:27 in Multiple Translations
For a prostitute is a deep pit, and an adulteress is a narrow well.
For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
For a harlot is a deep ditch; And a foreign woman is a narrow pit.
For a loose woman is a deep hollow, and a strange woman is a narrow water-hole.
A prostitute is like being trapped in a pit; an immoral woman is like getting stuck a narrow well,
For a whore is as a deepe ditche, and a strange woman is as a narrowe pitte.
For a harlot [is] a deep ditch, And a strange woman [is] a strait pit.
For a prostitute is a deep pit; and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
For a lewd woman is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
For a harlot is a deep ditch: and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
Prostitutes and immoral women [DOU] are like [MET] a deep pit or a well that you may fall into.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:27
BAB
Word Study
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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 23:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
שׁוּחָ֣ה
עֲמֻקָּ֣ה
זוֹנָ֑ה
וּ/בְאֵ֥ר
צָ֝רָ֗ה
נָכְרִיָּֽה
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שׁוּחָ֣ה
shûwchâh
H7745
pit
N-fs
עֲמֻקָּ֣ה
ʻâmôq
H6013
deep
Adj
זוֹנָ֑ה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
V-Qal
וּ/בְאֵ֥ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
well
Conj | N-fs
צָ֝רָ֗ה
tsar
H6862
narrow
Adj
נָכְרִיָּֽה
nokrîy
H5237
foreign
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:27
כִּֽי
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.
שׁוּחָ֣ה
shûwchâh
H7745
"pit"
N-fs
A pit is a deep hole in the ground, often used to describe a place of danger or confinement. In the Bible, pits were sometimes used to trap animals or as a prison. The word can also be used figuratively.
Definition: pit
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: ditch, pit. See also: Proverbs 22:14; Jeremiah 2:6; Proverbs 23:27.
עֲמֻקָּ֣ה
ʻâmôq
H6013
"deep"
Adj
Means deep, describing something that is physically or emotionally profound, like the depths of the ocean or a mysterious situation, as seen in Psalm 36:6. It can also describe something that is unsearchable or hard to understand. This concept is used to convey a sense of awe or wonder.
Definition: 1) deep, mysterious, depths 1a) deep 1b) unsearchable
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] exceeding) deep (thing). See also: Leviticus 13:3; Job 12:22; Psalms 64:7.
זוֹנָ֑ה
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
V-Qal
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
וּ/בְאֵ֥ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
"well"
Conj | N-fs
A well or pit, like a water source, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a spring, and is often translated as a well or pit in the Bible.
Definition: well, pit, spring
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: pit, well. See also: Genesis 14:10; Genesis 29:3; Psalms 55:24.
צָ֝רָ֗ה
tsar
H6862
"narrow"
Adj
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.
נָכְרִיָּֽה
nokrîy
H5237
"foreign"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes something or someone foreign or unfamiliar, including people, women, or things. It can also mean wonderful or outlandish. In the Bible, it is often translated as alien or foreigner.
Definition: 1) foreign, alien 1a) foreign 1b) foreigner (subst) 1c) foreign woman, harlot 1d) unknown, unfamiliar (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: alien, foreigner, outlandish, strange(-r, woman). See also: Genesis 31:15; Ezra 10:17; Psalms 69:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:27
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:27
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:27
Context — Saying 18
25May your father and mother be glad, and may she who gave you birth rejoice!
26My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways.
27For a prostitute is a deep pit, and an adulteress is a narrow well.
28Like a robber she lies in wait and multiplies the faithless among men. 29Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 22:14 | The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the wrath of the LORD will fall into it. |
Proverbs 23:27 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 23:27, uses powerful comparisons to warn against the dangers of immorality and adultery, comparing them to a deep pit and a narrow well. Just as these physical places can be confining and destructive, involvement with immorality can lead to spiritual and emotional destruction, as also seen in Proverbs 7:27. However, through Jesus Christ, we can experience freedom and redemption from the dangers of immorality, and cultivate healthy, God-honoring relationships, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:3 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7. By prioritizing purity and integrity, and seeking support from the community of believers, we can live a life that honors God and reflects the love and redemption we have found in Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible mean by comparing a prostitute to a deep pit?
This comparison, as seen in Proverbs 23:27, highlights the dangerous and destructive nature of immorality, drawing people in with promises of pleasure but leading them down a path of destruction, as also warned in Proverbs 7:27 and 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.
How does this verse relate to the command to love and respect all people, including those involved in prostitution?
While Proverbs 23:27 warns against the dangers of immorality, it does not diminish the inherent value and worth of every person, as emphasized in Genesis 1:27 and Matthew 22:39, and our response should always be guided by compassion and a desire to see people come to know God's love and redemption through Jesus Christ.
What is the significance of an adulteress being compared to a narrow well in this verse?
The comparison of an adulteress to a narrow well in Proverbs 23:27 suggests that just as a well can be deep and narrow, leading to confinement and lack of freedom, involvement with an adulteress can lead to a kind of spiritual and emotional confinement, as also cautioned in Proverbs 5:3-6 and 2 Peter 2:19-20.
How can we apply the warning in this verse to our own lives and relationships?
Applying the warning in Proverbs 23:27 involves recognizing the dangers of immorality and adultery, and instead choosing to cultivate healthy, God-honoring relationships, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:3 and Hebrews 13:4, and seeking accountability and support from the community of believers to live a life of purity and integrity.
Reflection Questions
- What are some common ways that immorality and adultery can present themselves as appealing or tempting in our culture, and how can we guard against these temptations?
- How can we balance the need to warn against the dangers of immorality with the need to show love and compassion to those who are struggling with these issues?
- What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate healthy, God-honoring relationships in our own lives, and how can we support others in doing the same?
- In what ways can involvement with immorality or adultery lead to spiritual and emotional confinement, and how can we experience freedom and redemption in Jesus Christ?
- How can we use this verse as a reminder to prioritize purity and integrity in our own lives, and to seek accountability and support from the community of believers?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:27
For a whore [is] a deep ditch,.... Or, "as a deep ditch", so Aben Ezra; to which she may be compared for the filthiness of her whoredoms, and for her insatiable lust, as well as for her being never
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:27
For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. A whore (is) a deep ditch ... a narrow pit - where the fall is great, and whence there is no escape.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:27
A deep ditch; in which a man is in evident danger of perdition, and out of which it is exceeding difficult to escape.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:27
Proverbs 23:27 For a whore [is] a deep ditch; and a strange woman [is] a narrow pit.Ver. 27. For an whore is a deep ditch.] Fitly so called, quod nullus neque modus neque finis sit in amore meritricio, because lust is boundless, bottomless. He is a perfect slave that serves a whore.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:27
(27) Strange woman (nokhriyyah).—See above, on Proverbs 2:16.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:27
Verse 27. For a whore is a deep ditch] See on Proverbs 22:14.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:27
27. Comp. Proverbs 22:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:27
27, 28. A strange woman — A lewd woman. Proverbs 23:27 very forcibly represents the helpless and all but inextricable condition of him who falls a prey to the wiles of a bad woman. As for a prey — Like a robber.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Proverbs 21-25 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to wise instruction and applying it to our lives. The main message is to trust in the Lord. The speaker also warn |
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Fatherly Exhortation Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith gives fatherly exhortations and advice to his son. He emphasizes the importance of not getting caught up in the crowd of drinkers and gluttons, a |