Proverbs 23:32
Proverbs 23:32 in Multiple Translations
In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.
At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
At the last it biteth like a serpent, And stingeth like an adder.
In the end, its bite is like that of a snake, its wound like the wound of a poison-snake.
In the end it bites like a serpent, it stings like a snake.
In the ende thereof it will bite like a serpent, and hurt like a cockatrise.
Its latter end — as a serpent it biteth, And as a basilisk it stingeth.
In the end, it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper.
At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
But in the end, it will bite like a snake, and will spread abroad poison like a basilisk.
because the next morning you will feel like you have been bitten by a poisonous snake [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:32
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 23:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֭חֲרִית/וֹ
כְּ/נָחָ֣שׁ
יִשָּׁ֑ךְ
וּֽ/כְ/צִפְעֹנִ֥י
יַפְרִֽשׁ
אַ֭חֲרִית/וֹ
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
N-fs | Suff
כְּ/נָחָ֣שׁ
nâchâsh
H5175
serpent
Prep | N-ms
יִשָּׁ֑ךְ
nâshak
H5391
to bite
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וּֽ/כְ/צִפְעֹנִ֥י
tsephaʻ
H6848
serpent
Conj | Prep | N-ms
יַפְרִֽשׁ
pârâsh
H6567
to declare
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:32
אַ֭חֲרִית/וֹ
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
N-fs | Suff
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
כְּ/נָחָ֣שׁ
nâchâsh
H5175
"serpent"
Prep | N-ms
A serpent is a snake, often symbolizing evil, as in Genesis 3:1 where the serpent tempts Eve. It can also represent danger or harm.
Definition: 1) serpent, snake 1a) serpent 1b) image (of serpent) 1c) fleeing serpent (mythological)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: serpent. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 58:5; Psalms 140:4.
יִשָּׁ֑ךְ
nâshak
H5391
"to bite"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word refers to paying interest on a loan, often with excessive or unfair rates. It is condemned in the Bible as usury, and is seen in passages like Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35-37. The concept of fair lending is emphasized in the book of Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to bite 1a) (Qal) to bite 1b) (Piel) to bite
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: bite, lend upon usury. See also: Genesis 49:17; Ecclesiastes 10:8; Proverbs 23:32.
וּֽ/כְ/צִפְעֹנִ֥י
tsephaʻ
H6848
"serpent"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a poisonous serpent, like a viper, that hisses by thrusting out its tongue. In the Bible, it is often translated as adder or cockatrice, symbolizing danger and evil.
Definition: 1) poisonous serpent 1a) a viper snake or adder
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: adder, cockatrice. See also: Proverbs 23:32; Isaiah 14:29; Isaiah 11:8.
יַפְרִֽשׁ
pârâsh
H6567
"to declare"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To pierce or wound is the meaning of this word, which can be literal or figurative. It is used to describe actions like scattering or declaring something clearly.
Definition: 1) to make distinct, declare, distinguish, separate 1a) (Qal) to declare, clarify 1b) (Pual) to be distinctly declared Aramaic equivalent: pe.rash (פְּרַשׁ "to make clear" H6568)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: scatter, declare, distinctly, shew, sting. See also: Leviticus 24:12; Nehemiah 8:8; Proverbs 23:32.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:32
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:32
Context — Saying 19
30Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks.
31Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.
32In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.
33Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities. 34You will be like one sleeping on the high seas or lying on the top of a mast:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 10:8 | He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake. |
| 2 | Isaiah 28:7–8 | These also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priests and prophets reel from strong drink and are befuddled by wine. They stumble because of strong drink, muddled in their visions and stumbling in their judgments. For all their tables are covered with vomit; there is not a place without filth. |
| 3 | Amos 9:3 | Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them. |
| 4 | Isaiah 28:3 | The majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards will be trampled underfoot. |
| 5 | Proverbs 5:11 | At the end of your life you will groan when your flesh and your body are spent, |
| 6 | Job 20:16 | He will suck the poison of cobras; the fangs of a viper will kill him. |
| 7 | Isaiah 59:5 | They hatch the eggs of vipers and weave a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched. |
| 8 | Exodus 7:5–6 | And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them.” So Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded them. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 5:31 | The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end? |
| 10 | Jeremiah 8:17 | “For behold, I will send snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you,” declares the LORD. |
Proverbs 23:32 Summary
Proverbs 23:32 is warning us that excessive drinking or other sinful behaviors may seem fun or appealing at first, but they will ultimately lead to pain and destruction, like a snake bite. This is because our choices have consequences, and God wants us to live wisely and self-controlled lives, as taught in (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and (Galatians 5:22-23). By seeking wisdom and self-control, we can avoid the harmful effects of sin and live lives that are pleasing to God, as encouraged in (Proverbs 1:7) and (Psalm 119:133).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse mean by 'it bites like a snake and stings like a viper'?
This phrase is a metaphor warning that the consequences of excessive drinking will ultimately be painful and destructive, similar to the harm caused by a snake or viper bite, as seen in other warnings against intoxication in the Bible, such as Ephesians 5:18 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Is this verse saying that drinking alcohol is always wrong?
While the Bible does warn against drunkenness and excessive drinking, as in Proverbs 23:32 and Galatians 5:21, it does not necessarily condemn moderate drinking, as seen in Psalm 104:14-15 and 1 Timothy 5:23
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse serves as a reminder to be mindful of our choices and habits, as they can have unintended and harmful consequences, and to seek wisdom and self-control, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
What is the 'end' being referred to in this verse?
The 'end' in Proverbs 23:32 likely refers to the ultimate outcome or consequence of a particular action or behavior, in this case, the destructive effects of excessive drinking, as also warned in Revelation 21:8
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'lingering over wine' or indulging in excessive behaviors in my own life, and how can I seek help and accountability?
- How do I balance the desire for pleasure and enjoyment with the need for self-control and wisdom, as taught in Proverbs 23:32 and other scriptures?
- What are some 'strange things' or 'perversities' that I may be tempted to pursue or indulge in, and how can I guard my heart and mind against them, as warned in Proverbs 23:33 and Romans 1:21-25?
- In what ways can I cultivate wisdom and discernment in my daily life, and how can I apply the principles of Proverbs 23:32 to my relationships and choices?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:32
At the last it biteth like a serpent,.... Though it goes down sweetly, yet it leaves a sting behind it, intemperately drank; a nausea in the stomach, a stink in the breath, pains and giddiness in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:32
At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Stingeth like an adder - Hebrew, tsip`oniy (H6848); the basilisk (Bochart); a viper (Maurer).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:32
It hurts the body in many respects, impairs the rigour of the mind, wastes the estate and reputation, wounds the conscience, and, without repentance, will destroy the soul.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:32
Proverbs 23:32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.Ver. 32. At the last it biteth like a serpent.] Lo, such is the guilt of sin, such the end and effect of drunkenness - torments here, and tortures in hell.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:32
32. At the last — Literally, at its end; its final ruinous influence. Stingeth — Punctures, wounds. Like an adder — A basilisk, a very venomous serpent. Isaiah 11:8. “A cockatrice.” — Geneva Bible.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:32
| Sermon | Description | |
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A Christlike Home (1) Christlike Husbands and Wives by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a Christ-like home, focusing on the roles of a Christ-like husband, wife, father, and mother to raise Christ-like children. It hig |
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Snake Handlers by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of taking risks for Christ, likening the challenges faced by believers to handling serpents. He points out that while the wicked are like p |
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(The Full Gospel) 21. Helping God!! by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the dangers of using human reasoning and trying to help God according to our own understanding, as seen in the stories of Abraham, Moses, and Uzzah. He empha |
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(Sex, Love & Marriage) 9. the Highway of Happiness by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of choosing to walk on God's Highway of Happiness in the realms of sex, love, and marriage, emphasizing the need for obedience to God and r |
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Letter 79 by James Bourne | James Bourne encourages his friend to be vigilant in their spiritual walk, warning against the deceitfulness of the heart and the dangers of breaking through the hedge of God's pro |
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Watchmen, Who Are Not Watchmen by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of false watchmen in the church. He mentions previous predictions of a global economic meltdown due to embedded microchips in comput |
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Slippery Slope of Addiction by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the pervasive issue of addiction in his sermon 'Slippery Slope of Addiction,' emphasizing that addiction can take many forms, from gaming to substance abuse |