Proverbs 6:32
Proverbs 6:32 in Multiple Translations
He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
He that committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding: He doeth it who would destroy his own soul.
He who takes another man's wife is without all sense: he who does it is the cause of destruction to his soul.
Any man who commits adultery with a woman has no sense; he who does so destroys himself.
But he that committeth adulterie with a woman, he is destitute of vnderstanding: he that doeth it, destroyeth his owne soule.
He who committeth adultery [with] a woman lacketh heart, He is destroying his soul who doth it.
He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding. He who does it destroys his own soul.
But whoever committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
But he that is an adulterer, for the folly of his heart shall destroy his own soul:
But a man who commits adultery with some woman is very foolish, because he is destroying his own self/soul by what he is doing.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 6:32
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 6:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נֹאֵ֣ף
אִשָּׁ֣ה
חֲסַר
לֵ֑ב
מַֽשְׁחִ֥ית
נַ֝פְשׁ֗/וֹ
ה֣וּא
יַעֲשֶֽׂ/נָּה
נֹאֵ֣ף
nâʼaph
H5003
to commit adultery
V-Qal
אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
lacking
Adj
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
מַֽשְׁחִ֥ית
shâchath
H7843
to ruin
V-Hiphil
נַ֝פְשׁ֗/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יַעֲשֶֽׂ/נָּה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | 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 6:32
נֹאֵ֣ף
nâʼaph
H5003
"to commit adultery"
V-Qal
This word means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, like in the story of David and Bathsheba. It can also mean to worship idols, which is a form of spiritual adultery. In the Bible, it is used to describe both physical and spiritual unfaithfulness.
Definition: 1) to commit adultery 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to commit adultery 1a1a) usually of man 1a1a1) always with wife of another 1a1b) adultery (of women) (participle) 1a2) idolatrous worship (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to commit adultery 1b1a) of man 1b1b) adultery (of women) (participle) 1b2) idolatrous worship (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: adulterer(-ess), commit(-ing) adultery, woman that breaketh wedlock. See also: Exodus 20:14; Jeremiah 23:10; Psalms 50:18.
אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
"lacking"
Adj
Being in need or lacking something is what this word means. It describes a state of poverty or want, often used to describe people who are struggling. The Bible talks about lack and need in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: in need of, lacking, needy, in want of
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want. See also: 1 Samuel 21:16; Proverbs 10:21; Proverbs 6:32.
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
מַֽשְׁחִ֥ית
shâchath
H7843
"to ruin"
V-Hiphil
This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.
Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)
Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.
נַ֝פְשׁ֗/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
ה֣וּא
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.
יַעֲשֶֽׂ/נָּה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
Study Notes — Proverbs 6:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 6:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:32
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:32
- Sermons on Proverbs 6:32
Context — Warnings against Adultery
30Men do not despise the thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger.
31Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house.
32He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.
33Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away. 34For jealousy enrages a husband, and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 7:7 | I saw among the simple, I noticed among the youths, a young man lacking judgment, |
| 2 | Hebrews 13:4 | Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. |
| 3 | Romans 1:22–24 | Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another. |
| 4 | Proverbs 7:22–23 | 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. |
| 5 | Proverbs 2:18–19 | 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. |
| 6 | Genesis 41:39 | Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 7:25–26 | I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness. 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. |
| 8 | Genesis 39:9–10 | No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?” Although Potiphar’s wife spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be near her. |
| 9 | Exodus 20:14 | You shall not commit adultery. |
| 10 | Proverbs 8:36 | But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” |
Proverbs 6:32 Summary
[This verse is saying that when someone commits adultery, they are not thinking clearly or making good choices, and it will ultimately hurt them. As the Bible says in Proverbs 6:32, 'He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.' This is because God designed marriage to be a sacred and beautiful thing, as seen in Ephesians 5:31. By committing adultery, we are going against God's plan and can cause harm to ourselves and others, as warned in Proverbs 6:33.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to lack judgment in Proverbs 6:32?
To lack judgment in this context means to act without wisdom or discernment, as seen in the reckless decision to commit adultery, which is contrary to God's design for marriage and relationships, as outlined in Ephesians 5:31 and Matthew 19:4-6.
How does committing adultery destroy oneself?
Committing adultery destroys oneself by bringing about spiritual, emotional, and relational harm, as well as potential physical consequences, ultimately leading to a life of shame and regret, as warned in Proverbs 6:33 and Galatians 6:7-8.
Is Proverbs 6:32 only talking about physical adultery, or is there a spiritual application as well?
While Proverbs 6:32 specifically addresses physical adultery, the principle of lacking judgment and destroying oneself can also apply to spiritual adultery, such as idolatry or lukewarmness towards God, as seen in James 4:4 and Revelation 2:4.
How can I apply the warning of Proverbs 6:32 to my own life?
To apply this warning, prioritize building a strong foundation of wisdom, self-control, and faithfulness in your relationships, and seek to honor God's design for marriage and purity, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be lacking judgment or acting impulsively, and how can I seek God's wisdom to guide me?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's design for relationships and marriage, and what role can I play in promoting purity and faithfulness in my own community?
- What are some potential consequences of committing adultery, and how can I prioritize building strong, healthy relationships that honor God?
- In what ways can I seek to apply the principles of Proverbs 6:32 to my own life, and what steps can I take to avoid the destructive path of adultery?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:32
[But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman,.... Which is a greater degree of theft than the former, it being the stealing of another man's wife; lacketh understanding; or "an heart" (t); the thief
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:32
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. (But) whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding - literally, heart.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:32
Lacketh understanding; is a brutish and silly man, who madly rusheth upon these filthy courses, without any sense or consideration of the horrid shame and certain destruction which attends upon them. Destroyeth his own soul, or life; is guilty of self-murder and of soul-murder.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:32
Proverbs 6:32 [But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he [that] doeth it destroyeth his own soul.Ver. 32. Lacketh understanding.] Being wholly carried by sensual appetite, against the dictates both of religion and of reason. Beetles love dunghills better than ointments, and swine love mud better than a garden. Luther tells of a certain noble in his country so besotted with the sin of whoredom, he was not ashamed to say, that if he might ever live here, and be carried from one whore house to another, there to satisfy his lusts, he would never desire any other heaven. This filthy man did afterwards breathe out his wretched soul between two notorious harlots. Destroyeth his own soul.] It is not therefore leve peccatum, a small sin, as the pope’ s canonists call it. Divine justice doth not use to kill flies with beetles. Loniceri Theat. Histor., p. 568.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:32
Verse 32. But whoso committeth adultery] The case understood is that of a married man: he has a wife; and therefore is not in the circumstances of the poor thief, who stole to appease his hunger, having nothing to eat. In this alone the opposition between the two cases is found: the thief had no food, and he stole some; the married man had a wife, and yet went in to the wife of his neighbour. Destroyeth his own soul.] Sins against his life, for, under the law of Moses, adultery was punished with death; Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:32
32. understanding] Lit. heart. See Proverbs 2:2, note. he that doeth it destroyeth] Rather, he doeth it that would destroy.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:32
32. Whose committeth adultery, taking all the circumstances and consequences into the account, acts like a madman or simpleton — like one who seeks to destroy his own life.
Sermons on Proverbs 6:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Marriage: Removing Destructive Influences by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, addressing the need for restoration in marriages, radical life changes, and the repair of broken homes. It delves into |
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Homily 4 on Romans by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of turning away from God, focusing on the depravity and dishonor that result from abandoning natural relationships an |
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Importance of Purity in Our Life by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen delivers a powerful message on the importance of purity in the sexual area as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. He emphasizes the need to possess our bodies in sanctifi |
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Moral Decline by Colin Peckham | Colin Peckham addresses the prevalent immorality in society, particularly focusing on the normalization of pre-marital and extra-marital sexual relationships, contrasting it with t |
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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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Homily 5 by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome shares a story where he pretends to be involved in a love affair to expose the false teachings of Appion, who promotes adultery using mythologies of gods as example |
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Seventh River -- Adultery by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of adultery, warning against the treacherous path it leads to and the eternal consequences it carries. He emphasizes that God's c |