Proverbs 7:23
Proverbs 7:23 in Multiple Translations
until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life.
Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.
Till an arrow strike through his liver; As a bird hasteth to the snare, And knoweth not that it is for his life.
Like a bird falling into a net; with no thought that his life is in danger, till an arrow goes into his side.
until an arrow pierces its liver, like a bird flying into a trap, he's unaware he will pay with his life.
Till a dart strike through his liuer, as a bird hasteth to the snare, not knowing that he is in danger.
Till an arrow doth split his liver, As a bird hath hastened unto a snare, And hath not known that it [is] for its life.
Until an arrow strikes through his liver, as a bird hurries to the snare, and doesn’t know that it will cost his life.
Till a dart striketh through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.
Till the arrow pierce his liver: as if a bird should make haste to the snare, and knoweth not that his life is in danger.
where it will remain/stay until someone shoots an arrow into its liver and kills it. He was like a bird that flew into a trap. He did not know that ◄it would cost him his life/he would die as a result►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 7:23
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 7:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַ֤ד
יְפַלַּ֪ח
חֵ֡ץ
כְּֽבֵד֗/וֹ
כְּ/מַהֵ֣ר
צִפּ֣וֹר
אֶל
פָּ֑ח
וְ/לֹֽא
יָ֝דַ֗ע
כִּֽי
בְ/נַפְשׁ֥/וֹ
הֽוּא
עַ֤ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
יְפַלַּ֪ח
pâlach
H6398
to cleave
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
חֵ֡ץ
chêts
H2671
arrow
N-ms
כְּֽבֵד֗/וֹ
kâbêd
H3516
liver
N-fs | Suff
כְּ/מַהֵ֣ר
mâhar
H4116
to hasten
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
צִפּ֣וֹר
tsippôwr
H6833
bird
N-cs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
פָּ֑ח
pach
H6341
snare
N-ms
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָ֝דַ֗ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בְ/נַפְשׁ֥/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 7:23
עַ֤ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
יְפַלַּ֪ח
pâlach
H6398
"to cleave"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To cleave means to slice or break open something, like cutting through a material or piercing an object, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to cleave, slice 1a) (Qal) to cleave, plow 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleave open or through 1b2) to cause to cleave open 1b3) to slice, pierce
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: bring forth, cleave, cut, shred, strike through. See also: 2 Kings 4:39; Job 39:3; Psalms 141:7.
חֵ֡ץ
chêts
H2671
"arrow"
N-ms
An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.
כְּֽבֵד֗/וֹ
kâbêd
H3516
"liver"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for liver, it refers to the heaviest organ in the body, as seen in biblical descriptions of animal sacrifices. It is often translated as liver in the KJV. This term appears in Leviticus and other books discussing ritual practices.
Definition: 1) the liver 1a) the liver (as the heaviest organ)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: liver. See also: Exodus 29:13; Leviticus 8:16; Proverbs 7:23.
כְּ/מַהֵ֣ר
mâhar
H4116
"to hasten"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This word means to hurry or do something quickly, like when someone is in a rush. It can also mean to buy something by paying a price. The Bible uses it in Genesis.
Definition: 1)(Qal) to hasten 1a) (Niphal) to be hurried, be anxious 1a) hasty, precipitate, impetuous 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to hasten, make haste 1b2) hasten (used as adverb with another verb) 1b3) to hasten, prepare quickly, do quickly, bring quickly
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: be carried headlong, fearful, (cause to make, in, make) haste(-n, -ily), (be) hasty, (fetch, make ready) [idiom] quickly, rash, [idiom] shortly, (be so) [idiom] soon, make speed, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] straightway, [idiom] suddenly, swift. See also: Genesis 18:6; 1 Samuel 28:24; Psalms 16:4.
צִפּ֣וֹר
tsippôwr
H6833
"bird"
N-cs
This Hebrew word means a little bird, often hopping, and is used to describe a sparrow or fowl in the Bible, such as in Psalm 84:3.
Definition: 1) bird, fowl 1a) bird (singular) 1b) birds (coll) Aramaic equivalent: tse.phar (צְפַר "bird" H6853)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: bird, fowl, sparrow. See also: Genesis 7:14; Psalms 84:4; Psalms 8:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
פָּ֑ח
pach
H6341
"snare"
N-ms
This word refers to a thin, flat piece of metal, like a plate. It can also describe a net used for catching animals, spread out like a thin sheet of metal.
Definition: 1) bird trap, trap, snare 1a) bird trap (literal) 1b) of calamities, plots, source or agent of calamity (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: gin, (thin) plate, snare. See also: Exodus 39:3; Psalms 142:4; Psalms 11:6.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יָ֝דַ֗ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּֽי
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.
בְ/נַפְשׁ֥/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | 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.
הֽוּא
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 7:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 7:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 7:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 7:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 7:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 7:23
Context — Warnings about the Adulteress
21With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him.
22He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap,
23until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life.
24Now, my sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth. 25Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 9:12 | For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them. |
| 2 | Proverbs 9:18 | But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol. |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:17 | How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it! |
| 4 | Numbers 25:8–9 | followed the Israelite into his tent, and drove the spear through both of them—through the Israelite and on through the belly of the woman. So the plague against the Israelites was halted, but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000. |
Proverbs 7:23 Summary
This verse is warning us about the dangers of sin and how quickly it can lead to serious consequences. Just like a bird that flies into a trap without knowing it, we can get caught up in sin without realizing how deadly it is. The arrow piercing the liver shows us that sin can have fatal consequences, and we need to be careful to avoid it, just as Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts. By being aware of the potential dangers and seeking to follow God's commands, such as those found in Exodus 20:17, we can protect ourselves from the deadly traps of sin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the arrow piercing the liver represent in Proverbs 7:23?
The arrow piercing the liver represents the severe and deadly consequences of sin, as the liver was considered a vital organ in biblical times, similar to how the heart is considered vital today, as seen in Proverbs 4:23 where it says to guard your heart.
Why is the bird darting into a snare used as a comparison in this verse?
The bird darting into a snare illustrates how quickly and unknowingly one can fall into sin and its deadly consequences, much like the deceitfulness of sin described in Hebrews 3:13.
How does this verse relate to the warnings against adultery in the Bible?
This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of adultery, as seen in Proverbs 6:32, where it says that he who commits adultery lacks judgment and will destroy himself, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and integrity in relationships as commanded in Exodus 20:17.
What is the significance of the liver being pierced by an arrow in this context?
The liver being pierced by an arrow signifies the fatal and irreversible nature of the consequences of sin, much like the spiritual death that occurs when one rejects God's love and salvation, as described in Ephesians 2:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be tempted to 'dart into a snare' in my own life, and how can I guard myself against these temptations?
- How does the image of an arrow piercing the liver make me think about the seriousness of sin and its consequences?
- In what ways can I apply the warning in this verse to my own relationships and choices, and how can I prioritize integrity and faithfulness?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of being aware of the potential dangers and consequences of my actions, and how can I cultivate this awareness in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:23
Till a dart strike through his liver,.... The fountain of blood, and so of life; which, being pierced through and poured out, is certain death, Lamentations 2:11; the meaning is, till he is slain
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:23
Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it (is) for his life.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 7:23
His liver, i.e. his vital parts, whereof the liver is one. Till his life be lost, as it is explained in the next clause. Knoweth not; which may be referred either to a foolish and inconsiderate young man; or to the silly bird to which he is compared, which comes to the same thing.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:23
Proverbs 7:23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it [is] for his life.Ver. 23. Till a dart strike through his liver,] i.e, Filthy lust, that fiery dart of the devil, pointed and poisoned (as the Scythian darts are said to be) with the gall of asps and vipers. Philosophers place lust in the liver. Mathematicians subject the liver to Venus; the poets complain of cupid’ s wounding them in that part. “ Cor sapit, et pulmo loquitur, fel commovit iras: Splen ridere facit, cogit amare iecor." Or, as some sense it, Till the adulterer be, by the whore’ s husband or friends, or by the hand of justice, deprived of life; perhaps in the very act, as Zimri and Cozbi were by Phinehas in the very flagrancy of their lust. Plato in hepate τοεπιθυμητικον ponit. Horat., Ode v. lib. iv., and Ode xxv. lib. v. Ovid. Trist.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 7:23
(23) Till a dart strike through his liver.—These words must be taken in a parenthesis. That it is for his life.—i.e., at the cost of it, when “his flesh and body are consumed,” and remorse has seized upon him (Proverbs 5:11).
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:23
23. dart] Rather, arrow, R.V.; sagitta, Vulg. The LXX. have ἢὡςἔλαφοςτοξεύματιπεπληγὼςεἰςτὸἧπαρ.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 7:23
The first clause does not connect itself very clearly with the foregoing, and is probably affected by the corrupt text which makes it perplexing.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:23
22, 23. He goeth after her — The participle äåìêְ, (holekh,) goeth, involves its own nominative, which may as well be an indefinite one, he who, or whoever; and the teacher may not so much intend to
Sermons on Proverbs 7:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Four R's of the Gospel: Ruin by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the four key doctrines of Rune, Redemption, Repentance, and Regeneration in the proper order. He highlights |
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Snared in an Evil Time by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher warns about the snare of Satan and how many people, including Christians, are falling into it. He emphasizes the urgency of being prepared for the evil |
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Slippery When by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of going door-to-door to evangelize. He encounters a man who is initially resistant but eventually sits down to listen. Th |
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This Very Year You Are Going to Die! by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon at Princeton College in 1761, warning the audience about the certainty and unpredictability of death. He emphasizes the need for serious re |
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Waiting Too Long by Joseph Parker | Joseph Parker preaches about the waiting and groaning of the impotent folk in the porches, likening it to the perpetual crisis of life where we are always on the brink of death. He |
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Being Prepared by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of being prudent and prepared for adversity, drawing lessons from biblical figures like Noah, Joseph, and the Apostle Paul who faced hardsh |
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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 |