Proverbs 23:28
Proverbs 23:28 in Multiple Translations
Like a robber she lies in wait and multiplies the faithless among men.
She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
Yea, she lieth in wait as a robber, And increaseth the treacherous among men.
Yes, she is waiting secretly like a beast for its food, and deceit by her is increased among men.
Like a robber, she lies in wait ready to ambush men and make more of them unfaithful to their wives.
Also she lyeth in wait as for a praye, and she increaseth the transgressers among men.
She also, as catching prey, lieth in wait, And the treacherous among men she increaseth.
Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the unfaithful among men.
She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
She lieth in wait in the way as a robber, and him whom she shall see unwary, she will kill.
They wait for you like robbers [SIM], and they cause many men to ◄be unfaithful to/have sex with women who are not► their wives.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:28
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 23:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַף
הִ֭יא
כְּ/חֶ֣תֶף
תֶּֽאֱרֹ֑ב
וּ֝/בוֹגְדִ֗ים
בְּ/אָדָ֥ם
תּוֹסִֽף
אַף
ʼaph
H637
also
DirObjM
הִ֭יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
כְּ/חֶ֣תֶף
chetheph
H2863
robber
Prep | N-ms
תֶּֽאֱרֹ֑ב
ʼârab
H693
to ambush
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
וּ֝/בוֹגְדִ֗ים
bâgad
H898
to act treacherously
Conj | V-Qal
בְּ/אָדָ֥ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Prep | N-ms
תּוֹסִֽף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
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 23:28
אַף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
DirObjM
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
הִ֭יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
כְּ/חֶ֣תֶף
chetheph
H2863
"robber"
Prep | N-ms
A robber or prey describes someone who takes things by force, often referring to a robber or someone who seizes property or goods from others.
Definition: 1) prey 2) (CLBL) robber
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: prey. See also: Proverbs 23:28.
תֶּֽאֱרֹ֑ב
ʼârab
H693
"to ambush"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to lie in wait or ambush someone, often used to describe a surprise attack. It is used in the Bible to talk about people who are hiding and waiting to attack. The word can also mean to lay a trap for someone.
Definition: 1) to lie in wait, ambush, lurk 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie in wait 1a2) ambush (participle as subst) 1b) (Piel) ambushers, liers-in-wait (pl. participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to lay an ambush
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: (lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie in) wait. See also: Deuteronomy 19:11; Judges 20:38; Psalms 10:9.
וּ֝/בוֹגְדִ֗ים
bâgad
H898
"to act treacherously"
Conj | V-Qal
To act treacherously means to be deceitful or unfaithful, as seen in Job 31:27-28, where Job denies acting treacherously. It involves covering or hiding one's true intentions, often to pillage or offend others.
Definition: 1) to act treacherously, deceitfully, deal treacherously 1a) (Qal) to act or deal treacherously, faithlessly, deceitfully, offend
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress(-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful(-ly, man), [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 21:8; Isaiah 24:16; Psalms 25:3.
בְּ/אָדָ֥ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Prep | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
תּוֹסִֽף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:28
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:28
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:28
Context — Saying 18
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? 30Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 7:26 | And I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a net, and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is ensnared. |
| 2 | Proverbs 7:12 | Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Hosea 4:11 | Promiscuity, wine, and new wine take away understanding. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 10:8 | We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 3:2 | “Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness. |
| 7 | Revelation 17:1–2 | Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and those who dwell on the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her immorality.” |
| 8 | 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. |
| 9 | Proverbs 2:16–19 | It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words who abandons the partner of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God. For her house sinks down to death, and her tracks to the departed spirits. None who go to her return or negotiate the paths of life. |
| 10 | Judges 16:4–22 | Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. The lords of the Philistines went to her and said, “Entice him and find out the source of his great strength and how we can overpower him to tie him up and subdue him. Then each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver. ” So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me the source of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.” Samson told her, “If they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I will become as weak as any other man.” So the lords of the Philistines brought her seven fresh bowstrings that had not been dried, and she tied him up with them. While the men were hidden in her room, she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But he snapped the bowstrings like a strand of yarn seared by a flame. So the source of his strength remained unknown. Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me! Now please tell me how you can be tied up.” He replied, “If they tie me up with new ropes that have never been used, I will become as weak as any other man.” So Delilah took new ropes, tied him up with them, and called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But while the men were hidden in her room, he snapped the ropes off his arms like they were threads. Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me all along! Tell me how you can be tied up.” He told her, “If you weave the seven braids of my head into the web of a loom and tighten it with a pin, I will become as weak as any other man. ” So while he slept, Delilah took the seven braids of his hair and wove them into the web. Then she tightened it with a pin and called to him, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But he awoke from his sleep and pulled out the pin with the loom and the web. “How can you say, ‘I love you,’” she asked, “when your heart is not with me? This is the third time you have mocked me and failed to reveal to me the source of your great strength!” Finally, after she had pressed him daily with her words and pleaded until he was sick to death, Samson told her all that was in his heart: “My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man.” When Delilah realized that he had revealed to her all that was in his heart, she sent this message to the lords of the Philistines: “Come up once more, for he has revealed to me all that is in his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came to her, bringing the money in their hands. And having lulled him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his head. In this way she began to subdue him, and his strength left him. Then she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” When Samson awoke from his sleep, he thought, “I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in the prison. However, the hair of his head began to grow back after it had been shaved. |
Proverbs 23:28 Summary
This verse warns us about the dangers of being lured into sin, using the example of an adulteress who secretly waits to deceive and harm others. Just like a robber, she lies in wait to catch her victims off guard, leading them away from their commitment to God and to their loved ones, as seen in Proverbs 5:3-6. We need to be careful and mindful of the subtle traps of sin in our own lives, seeking protection in God's Word and guidance, just as Psalm 119:11 reminds us to hide God's Word in our hearts to avoid sin. By being aware of these dangers and seeking God's help, we can stay on the path of faithfulness and avoid the harmful consequences of sin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse mean by 'a robber'?
This verse uses the metaphor of a robber to describe the ways of an adulteress, highlighting how she secretly lies in wait to deceive and harm others, much like a thief in the night, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 where the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.
How does an adulteress 'multiply the faithless among men'?
An adulteress multiplies the faithless by leading them away from their commitment to God and to their spouses, causing them to stumble and fall into sin, as warned in Proverbs 5:3-6 and echoed in the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:27-28.
Is this verse only talking about women who commit adultery?
While the verse specifically mentions an adulteress, the principle applies to anyone who would seek to lure others into sin, regardless of gender, as seen in the broader warnings against sexual immorality in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.
What is the spiritual implication of being 'faithless'?
Being faithless refers to a lack of trust and loyalty to God and to one's vows, leading to a breakdown in relationships and spiritual wholeness, as discussed in Malachi 2:14-16 and the importance of faithfulness in 1 Corinthians 4:2.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the subtle traps of sin in my own life, and how can I seek protection in God's Word?
- How can I ensure that my actions and relationships are built on trust, loyalty, and faithfulness to God and to others?
- What are some common 'deep pits' or temptations in my life that I need to be aware of, and how can I seek God's help to overcome them?
- In what ways can I be a positive influence on those around me, leading them towards faithfulness and away from the 'narrow well' of sin?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:28
She also lieth in wait as [for] a prey,.... At the door of her house, in the corner of the streets, in the dark of the night; laying her snares, and spreading her nets, for unwary persons, to make a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:28
She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:28
Lieth in wait as for a prey; watching all opportunities of insnaring young men to their destruction. Increaseth the transgressors among men; she is the cause of innumerable sins against God, and against the marriage-bed, against the soul and body too, and by her wicked example and arts involveth many persons in the guilt of her sins.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:28
Proverbs 23:28 She also lieth in wait as [for] a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.Ver. 28. She also lieth in wait.] Terence calls harlots Cruces crumenimulgas, sordida poscinummia, &c., base beg pennies, pick purses, &c. See the notes upon Proverbs 7:1-27. &c And increaseth the transgressors among men.] Nothing hath ever so enriched hell as the whorish woman. See above.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:28
(28) Increaseth the transgressors (faithless) among men.—This vice being the fruitful source of faithlessness both towards man and God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:28
Verse 28. Increaseth the transgressors among men.] More iniquity springs from this one source of evil, than from any other cause in the whole system of sin. Women and strong drink cause many millions to transgress.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:28
28. as for a prey] Better, with A.V. marg., R.V. text, as a robber. transgressors] Better, treacherous. Those whom she seduces become in their turn seducers and untrustworthy in similar relations. The Evils of Drunkenness, Proverbs 23:29-35.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:28
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 23:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Backslidings of Balaam by Charles Banna | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of falling into covetousness and pride, using the example of Balaam who was led astray by these sins. It highlights the importance of fleeing fro |
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The New Quest and Law of Life. 7:1-29 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher embarks on a new quest to discover 'the Good' in a high law for life under the sun, possibly found in the fear of God. He seeks wisdom a |
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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 |
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(Om Orientation) the Pull of the Flesh - Part 2 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a strong desire for freedom from sin and a hunger to see others set free as well. He compares this desire to the det |
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(Through the Bible) Revelation 17-18 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of the false religious system, referred to as Babylon, which has deceived many people. The speaker mentions Jesus' warning about |
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(Common Market) Its Religion - Part 1 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of the "great whore" mentioned in Revelation 17. The speaker believes that this whore represents a system or institution rather t |
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Come Out of the Darkness of Babylon by Steve Gallagher | The video shown during the sermon was described as a production created by the church. The speaker prayed for the congregation and mentioned that some people may choose to stay beh |