Proverbs 5:3
Proverbs 5:3 in Multiple Translations
Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil,
¶ For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
For the lips of a strange woman drop honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil:
For honey is dropping from the lips of the strange woman, and her mouth is smoother than oil;
For the lips of an immoral woman may taste as sweet as honey, the kisses of her mouth may be as smooth as oil,
For the lippes of a strange woman drop as an honie combe, and her mouth is more soft then oyle.
For the lips of a strange woman drop honey, And smoother than oil [is] her mouth,
For the lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is smoother than oil,
For the lips of a strange woman drop as a honey-comb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
For the lips of a harlot are like a honeycomb dropping, and her throat is smoother than oil.
What an immoral woman says to you may be as sweet as honey, and sound smoother than olive oil feels on your skin,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 5:3
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 5:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
נֹ֣פֶת
תִּ֭טֹּפְנָה
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
זָרָ֑ה
וְ/חָלָ֖ק
מִ/שֶּׁ֣מֶן
חִכָּֽ/הּ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נֹ֣פֶת
nôpheth
H5317
honey
N-ms
תִּ֭טֹּפְנָה
nâṭaph
H5197
to drip/prophesy
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd
זָרָ֑ה
zûwr
H2114
be a stranger
Adj
וְ/חָלָ֖ק
châlâq
H2509
smooth
Conj | Adj
מִ/שֶּׁ֣מֶן
shemen
H8081
oil
Prep | N-ms
חִכָּֽ/הּ
chêk
H2441
palate
N-ms | 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 5:3
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.
נֹ֣פֶת
nôpheth
H5317
"honey"
N-ms
Nopheth means honey or a honeycomb, describing something sweet and flowing. It is used in the Bible to describe a delicious food. The KJV translates it as honeycomb.
Definition: flowing honey, honey from the comb, a dropping down, honey, honeycomb
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: honeycomb. See also: Psalms 19:11; Proverbs 24:13; Proverbs 5:3.
תִּ֭טֹּפְנָה
nâṭaph
H5197
"to drip/prophesy"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
This Hebrew word means to drip or prophesy, often used to describe speaking by inspiration. It appears in the books of Deuteronomy and Ezekiel, where prophets speak God's words. The word implies a gradual and steady flow of words.
Definition: 1) to drop, drip, distil, prophesy, preach, discourse 1a) (Qal) to drop, drip 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to drip 1b2) to drop (prophecy)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: drop(-ping), prophesy(-et). See also: Judges 5:4; Ezekiel 21:2; Psalms 68:9.
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
זָרָ֑ה
zûwr
H2114
"be a stranger"
Adj
This word has several meanings, including being a stranger or foreigner, like when Abraham lived in Egypt as a foreigner. It can also mean to commit adultery, highlighting the idea of turning aside from what is right and proper, as warned against in Proverbs 5.
Definition: 1) to be strange, be a stranger 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become estranged 1a2) strange, another, stranger, foreigner, an enemy (participle) 1a3) strange woman, prostitute, harlot (meton) 1b) (Niphal) to be estranged 1c) (Hophal) to be a stranger, be one alienated
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: (come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange(-r, thing, woman). See also: Exodus 29:33; Proverbs 11:15; Psalms 44:21.
וְ/חָלָ֖ק
châlâq
H2509
"smooth"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word describes something or someone as smooth, often referring to flattering or deceitful speech. It is used in the Bible to warn against smooth talkers who intend to deceive. The book of Proverbs contains many warnings about smooth talk.
Definition: flattering, smooth
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: flattering, smooth. See also: Genesis 27:11; Proverbs 26:28; Proverbs 5:3.
מִ/שֶּׁ֣מֶן
shemen
H8081
"oil"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.
Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.
חִכָּֽ/הּ
chêk
H2441
"palate"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the roof of the mouth or palate, like when Isaiah describes the mouth as a source of praise or shame. It's also related to taste and speech, as seen in the book of Job.
Definition: mouth, palate, taste, gums
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (roof of the) mouth, taste. See also: Job 6:30; Proverbs 5:3; Psalms 119:103.
Study Notes — Proverbs 5:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 5:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 5:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 5:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 5:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 5:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 5:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 5:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 5:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 5:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 5:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 5:3
Context — Avoiding Immorality
1My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight,
2that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.
3Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil,
4in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. 5Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 2:16 | It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words |
| 2 | Proverbs 6:24 | to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. |
| 3 | Proverbs 7:5 | that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words. |
| 4 | Psalms 55:21 | His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. |
| 5 | Proverbs 7:21 | With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him. |
| 6 | Revelation 17:2–6 | The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and those who dwell on the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her immorality.” And the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, where I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. I could see that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and witnesses for Jesus. And I was utterly amazed at the sight of her. |
Proverbs 5:3 Summary
This verse warns us about people who might seem charming and appealing at first but ultimately lead us away from God's path. The 'forbidden woman' has words that are as smooth and enticing as oil, but they can lead to harm and destruction. Just like Adam and Eve were deceived by the serpent's words in Genesis 3:1-6, we can also be misled by smooth talk that goes against God's commands. By following God's wisdom and being cautious of overly flattering or tempting words, we can avoid the dangers described in this verse and stay on the path of righteousness, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:1-15 and Psalm 119:105.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by the 'forbidden woman' in Proverbs 5:3?
The 'forbidden woman' refers to someone who is outside of God's design for relationships, often associated with immoral or adulterous behavior, as warned against in other scriptures such as Proverbs 2:16-19 and Proverbs 7:5.
Why does the Bible describe the forbidden woman's speech as 'smoother than oil'?
This description highlights the deceptive and alluring nature of the forbidden woman's words, which can be very persuasive and tempting, much like the serpent's cunning in Genesis 3:1-6.
Is the 'forbidden woman' always a literal woman, or can this term represent other kinds of temptations?
While the context of Proverbs 5 suggests a literal woman, the principles can also apply metaphorically to any temptation that promises pleasure but leads to destruction, as seen in warnings against various forms of sin in Ephesians 4:27 and 1 Peter 5:8.
How can we protect ourselves from the allure of the forbidden woman's words?
We can protect ourselves by following God's wisdom and commandments, as exhorted in Proverbs 4:1-27, and by being mindful of the potential for deception, as warned in Matthew 7:15 and 1 John 4:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which the world's temptations might seem 'smoother than oil' to me, and how can I discern their true nature?
- In what areas of my life might I be vulnerable to the 'honey' of deceitful words or actions, and how can I seek God's protection and guidance?
- How does the description of the forbidden woman's speech in Proverbs 5:3 relate to the warnings against false teachers in other parts of the Bible, such as 2 Peter 2:1-22?
- What role does discretion and discernment play in avoiding the pitfalls described in Proverbs 5:3, and how can I cultivate these qualities in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 5:3
For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb,.... "Mulsa dicta", "honey words", as is Plautus's (e) expression.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 5:3
For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: For the lips of a strange woman (note, Proverbs 2:16) drop (as) as an honey-comb.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 5:3
It concerns thee to get and to use discretion, that thou mayst be able to resist and repel those manifold temptations to which thou art exposed. Drop as an honeycomb; her words and discourses are sweet, and charming, and prevalent.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 5:3
Proverbs 5:3 For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than oil:Ver. 3. For the lips of a strange woman drop.] Take heed therefore how thou exchange any words at all with her. But if thou be first set upon, as Joseph was by his mistress, and as Franciscus Junius was by those impudent queans (harlots) at Lyons, in France (whither he was sent by his father for learning’ s sake), who night and day solicited him; then to keep thee from the bitter sweet lips of these enchantresses, "let thy lips keep knowledge"; answer them (as Joseph did) with "the words of truth and soberness"; with "gracious and wholesome words," such as have a cooling and healing property in them; with Scripture language, which the devil and his agents cannot answer or away with. When, therefore, thou art tempted to this or any like sin, say No - I may not, I dare not; for it is forbidden in such a place, and again in such a place, "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" "Lo this is the way, walk in it." Let thy lips keep knowledge, and it shall keep thee from the lips of a strange woman, though they drop as a honeycomb, and seem to have plenty of pleasure and sweetness in them. Drop as a honeycomb.] But is like that honey spoken of by Pliny that had poison in it, as being sucked out of poisonous herbs and flowers. In the Cadiz voyage, at Alvelana, three miles from Lisbon, many of our English soldiers, under the Earl of Essex, perished by eating of honey, purposely left in the houses, and spiced with poison, as it was thought. How much better is it to be preserved in brine than to rot in honey! to mortify lusts, than to enjoy them! Voluptatem vicisse voluptas est maxima, saith Cyprian, nec ulla maior est victoria, quam ea, quae cupiditatibus refertur. There is no such pleasure as to have overcome an offered pleasure; neither is there any greater conquest than that which is gotten over a man’ s corruptions. Jun. in Vita sua.
Speed. xii. 10. De bono pudicit.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 5:3
V. (3) Her mouth is smoother than oil.—The experience of David also with Ahitophel (Psalms 55:21).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 5:3
Verse 3. The lips of a strange woman] One that is not thy own, whether Jewess or heathen. Drop as a honey-comb] She uses the most deceitful, flattering, and alluring speeches: as the droppings of the honey out of the comb are the sweetest of all.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 5:3
3. strange woman] See Proverbs 2:16, note.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 5:3
Smoother than oil - The same comparison is used in marginal reference to describe the treachery of a false friend.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 5:3
3. Strange woman — See note on Proverbs 2:16. The terms lips and mouth are, of course, used tropically — speech, words. She uses persuasive, delusive, and fascinating arts and modes of speech. Compare Proverbs 7:14, etc.
Sermons on Proverbs 5:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Run for Your Life by Carter Conlon | This sermon is a passionate call to the church to run for their lives from false teachings, prosperity-driven messages, and immoral practices. The speaker urges believers to dig th |
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Led by the Spirit of God - Part 5 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning to discipline and reproof. He highlights the need for believers to allow the Spirit of God to control their lives |
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Ribless Christians by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of purity in the lives of believers. He warns against breaking the duty of purity that God has given to us and reminds us tha |
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All Satan's Apples Have Worms by John R. Rice | John R. Rice preaches about the consequences of following Satan's deceitful promises, using the story of the prodigal son to illustrate how all of the Devil's apples have worms. He |
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Solomon's Infatuation Through Women by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome reflects on the life of Solomon, a man blessed with wisdom, knowledge, and riches by God, yet who fell into ruin and turned away from the Lord due to his relationsh |
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1 Thessalonians 4:1-3 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of sanctification and living a life that pleases God. He emphasizes the need to go beyond mere obedience to God's commandments and str |
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Have You Heard? There Is Bread in Bethlehem by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a story from the Bible about a woman who had access to her possessions taken away by another man. The Kingsman Redeemer steps in and confronts |