Proverbs 6:27
Proverbs 6:27 in Multiple Translations
Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned?
Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
Can a man take fire in his bosom, And his clothes not be burned?
May a man take fire to his breast without burning his clothing?
Can you put fire in your lap and not burn your clothes?
Can a man take fire in his bosome, and his clothes not be burnt?
Doth a man take fire into his bosom, And are his garments not burnt?
Can a man scoop fire into his lap, and his clothes not be burned?
Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
Can a man hide fire in his bosom, and his garments not burn?
Can you carry hot coals in your pocket and not be burned [RHQ]?
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 6:27
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 6:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/יַחְתֶּ֤ה
אִ֓ישׁ
אֵ֬שׁ
בְּ/חֵיק֑/וֹ
וּ֝/בְגָדָ֗י/ו
לֹ֣א
תִשָּׂרַֽפְנָה
הֲ/יַחְתֶּ֤ה
châthâh
H2846
to snatch up
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִ֓ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֵ֬שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
בְּ/חֵיק֑/וֹ
chêyq
H2436
bosom
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ֝/בְגָדָ֗י/ו
beged
H899
treachery
Conj | N-mp | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִשָּׂרַֽפְנָה
sâraph
H8313
to burn
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fp
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 6:27
הֲ/יַחְתֶּ֤ה
châthâh
H2846
"to snatch up"
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to quickly grab or pick up something, like coals from a fire. It appears in various forms, including to snatch up or heap up. This verb is used in different contexts, such as taking hold of something or someone.
Definition: (Qal) to take hold of, seize, take away, pile up, snatch up (coals)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: heap, take (away). See also: Psalms 52:7; Proverbs 25:22; Proverbs 6:27.
אִ֓ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֵ֬שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
בְּ/חֵיק֑/וֹ
chêyq
H2436
"bosom"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for bosom refers to the chest area, often used figuratively to describe a close or intimate relationship, as seen in the KJV translations of bosom, lap, or midst.
Definition: : embrace/chest bosom, hollow, bottom, midst
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 35:13.
וּ֝/בְגָדָ֗י/ו
beged
H899
"treachery"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִשָּׂרַֽפְנָה
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fp
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 6:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 6:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:27
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:27
- Sermons on Proverbs 6:27
Context — Warnings against Adultery
25Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
26For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.
27Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned?
28Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet? 29So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 31:9–12 | If my heart has been enticed by my neighbor’s wife, or I have lurked at his door, then may my own wife grind grain for another, and may other men sleep with her. For that would be a heinous crime, an iniquity to be judged. For it is a fire that burns down to Abaddon; it would root out my entire harvest. |
| 2 | Hosea 7:4–7 | They are all adulterers, like an oven heated by a baker who needs not stoke the fire from the kneading to the rising of the dough. The princes are inflamed with wine on the day of our king; so he joins hands with those who mock him. For they prepare their heart like an oven while they lie in wait; all night their anger smolders; in the morning it blazes like a flaming fire. All of them are hot as an oven, and they devour their rulers. All their kings fall; not one of them calls upon Me. |
| 3 | James 3:5 | In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. |
Proverbs 6:27 Summary
This verse is saying that if we choose to engage in sinful behavior, we will get hurt, just like if we were to hug a fire, we would get burned. The Bible teaches us that sin has serious consequences, as seen in Proverbs 6:27-28, and that we need to be careful about the choices we make and the company we keep. We are commanded in 1 Thessalonians 4:7 to live a holy life, and in 1 Peter 1:15-16 to be holy in all our conduct, because God is holy. By following God's commands and being mindful of the consequences of our actions, we can avoid the 'fires' that can harm us and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse mean by 'embracing fire'?
This phrase is a metaphor for engaging in sinful behavior, such as adultery, which is warned against in Proverbs 6:25-26 and also in Exodus 20:17, where we are commanded not to covet or lust after someone who is not our spouse.
Is this verse only talking about physical fires?
No, the fire in this verse is symbolic of the destructive nature of sin, as seen in Proverbs 6:27-28, where it compares the consequences of sin to walking on hot coals, and also in James 1:14-15, where we are told that our desires can lead us into sin and ultimately to death.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
This verse teaches us to be mindful of the company we keep and the choices we make, because they can have serious consequences, as seen in Proverbs 22:24-25, where we are warned not to make friends with a hot-tempered person, lest we learn their ways and get into trouble.
What is the main point of this verse?
The main point of Proverbs 6:27 is that sin, like fire, will ultimately consume and destroy us if we choose to 'embrace' it, which is why we are commanded in 1 Corinthians 6:18 to flee from sexual immorality and in 2 Timothy 2:22 to flee from youthful lusts.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'fires' in my life that I need to be careful not to 'embrace'?
- How can I protect myself from the destructive nature of sin, and what role does accountability play in this?
- What are some ways that I can apply the lesson of this verse to my relationships and interactions with others?
- In what ways have I seen the consequences of 'embracing fire' in my own life or in the lives of those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:27
Can a man take fire in his bosom,.... A whore is compared to fire, and is so called by the poets (o); and it is a saying of Pythagoras, "it is a like thing to fall into fire and into a woman (p);''
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:27
Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can a man take fire in his bosom (i:e., in the fold of his garment, across the bosom or lap), and his clothes not be burnt?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:27
The question implies a denial; he cannot escape burning. No more can he who burns in lust avoid destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:27
Proverbs 6:27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?Ver. 27. Can a man take fire?] Lest any man should reply, ‘ I will see to myself, and save one from the afore named mischiefs; I have more wit than to trust any harlot, and more skill than to let it come abroad to my disgrace and detriment’ ; the wise man answers, that it is as possible to take a live coal from the hearth, and bear it in a man’ s bosom without burning his clothes, or to walk upon fire without scorching his feet, as to attempt anything in this kind and to escape Scot free. Flagitium et flagellum sicut acus et filum. Sin and punishment go linked together with chains of adamant. Thy clothes will stink, at least, of that fire; thy feet will blister, at least, with those coals. If the great shower blow over thee, yet thou shalt be wet with the after drops.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:27
Verse 27. Can a man take fire] These were proverbial expressions, the meaning of which was plain to every capacity.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:27
Fourteenth Address. Chap. 6. Proverbs 6:20-35. The Evil WomanThe holy memories and sanctions of the family are invoked (Proverbs 6:20-23) to give weight to another earnest warning against the sin which destroys the purity and saps the foundations of family life (Proverbs 6:24-35).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:27
27-29. Take fire — Kindle, or keep up a fire — a forcible way of saying that this sin cannot go unpunished; the dreadful consequences will, sooner or later, inevitably follow.
Sermons on Proverbs 6:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Freedom From Masterbation and Sensuality by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the need to flee from sin, particularly addressing the issue of justifying masturbation as not a sin. It highlights the importance of seeking biblical guidan |
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Studies in 1 Corinthians-04 1 Cor 4:14-5:7 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the issue of the Corinthians becoming followers of men and forming parties around favorite preachers. The preacher emphasizes the importance |
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And Not Be Burned? by Erlo Stegen | This sermon delves into the analogy of sin being likened to a fire that, if hidden within, will not only burn but ultimately lead to death. It emphasizes the danger of concealing s |
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Fire Burns by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance. He uses various illustrations to convey his message, including a painting of a man |
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Judges 16:21 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the tragic consequences of sin as illustrated in the life of Samson, emphasizing how sin blinds individuals to their true state, binds them in chains, and lea |
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Susanna Teaches Circumspection by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome warns about the dangers of lust and adultery by recounting the story of Susanna and the elders who fell into sin due to their lustful desires. He emphasizes the imp |
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Letter 100 by James Bourne | James Bourne, in a letter to M. C. B., reflects on his struggles with transparency and spiritual growth, finding comfort in God's compassion and care. He emphasizes the importance |