Proverbs 9:18
Proverbs 9:18 in Multiple Translations
But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
But he knoweth not that the dead are there; That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
But he does not see that the dead are there, that her guests are in the deep places of the underworld.
But they don't know that the dead are there, that those she's invited are in the depths of the grave.
But he knoweth not, that ye dead are there, and that her ghestes are in the depth of hell.
And he hath not known that Rephaim [are] there, In deep places of Sheol her invited ones!
But he doesn’t know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
And he did not know that giants are there, and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
But men who go to those women’s houses do not know that those who have gone there are now dead; they have descended down into the deepest parts of the place where dead people are.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 9:18
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 9:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְֽ/לֹא
יָ֭דַע
כִּֽי
רְפָאִ֣ים
שָׁ֑ם
בְּ/עִמְקֵ֖י
שְׁא֣וֹל
קְרֻאֶֽי/הָ
וְֽ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָ֭דַע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רְפָאִ֣ים
râphâʼ
H7496
shade
N-mp
שָׁ֑ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
בְּ/עִמְקֵ֖י
ʻâmêq
H6012
unfathomable
Prep | N-mp
שְׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
hell
N-proper
קְרֻאֶֽי/הָ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Inf-c | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 9:18
וְֽ/לֹא
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.
יָ֭דַע
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.
רְפָאִ֣ים
râphâʼ
H7496
"shade"
N-mp
This word refers to the spirits of the dead, or ghosts, and is only used in the plural form, as seen in Isaiah 14:9.
Definition: ghosts of the dead, shades, spirits
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: dead, deceased. See also: Job 26:5; Proverbs 21:16; Psalms 88:11.
שָׁ֑ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
בְּ/עִמְקֵ֖י
ʻâmêq
H6012
"unfathomable"
Prep | N-mp
Describes something as deep or unfathomable, like a mysterious idea or a deep emotion, as expressed in Psalm 92:5.
Definition: 1) deep, unfathomable 1a) unintelligible (of speech) Aramaic equivalent: a.miq (עֲמִיק "deep" H5994)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: deeper, depth, strange. See also: Proverbs 9:18; Ezekiel 3:5; Isaiah 33:19.
שְׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
"hell"
N-proper
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
קְרֻאֶֽי/הָ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Inf-c | Suff
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
Study Notes — Proverbs 9:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 9:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 9:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 9:18
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 9:18
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 9:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 9:18
Context — The Way of Folly
16“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment.
17“Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is tasty!”
18But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 7:27 | Her house is the road to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Proverbs 5:5 | Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol. |
| 4 | Proverbs 1:7 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. |
| 5 | Proverbs 6:26 | For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. |
| 6 | Psalms 82:5 | They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. |
| 7 | 2 Peter 3:5 | But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water, |
Proverbs 9:18 Summary
This verse is warning us about the dangers of being tempted by things that seem appealing but are actually harmful. The 'dead' in this verse are people who have made choices that have led them away from God and into spiritual darkness, as seen in Ephesians 2:1. The woman in Proverbs 9 is deceiving people into thinking that her way is the easy and fun way, but it actually leads to death and suffering, as seen in Proverbs 7:27. We need to be careful not to be deceived by the world's temptations and instead seek God's wisdom and guidance, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'the dead' in Proverbs 9:18?
The 'dead' in this verse refers to those who have spiritually died due to their sinful choices, as seen in Ephesians 2:1, and are now in a state of spiritual darkness and separation from God, ultimately leading to physical death and eternal punishment in the depths of Sheol, as warned in Proverbs 7:27 and Revelation 20:14-15.
What is Sheol in the Bible?
Sheol is the Hebrew word for the underworld or the place of the dead, often translated as 'hell' or 'the grave', as seen in Psalms 9:17 and Isaiah 14:15, where it is described as a place of darkness and suffering for those who reject God and His ways.
Why are the guests of the woman in Proverbs 9:18 unaware of their fate?
The guests are unaware of their fate because they have been deceived by the woman's enticing words and promises, as seen in Proverbs 9:16-17, and have not considered the long-term consequences of their actions, as warned in Proverbs 5:3-6 and Galatians 6:7-8.
How can we avoid the fate of the guests in Proverbs 9:18?
We can avoid the fate of the guests by seeking wisdom and guidance from God's Word, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17, and by being mindful of the company we keep and the choices we make, as warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33 and Psalm 1:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which the world and its temptations can deceive us, and how can we guard ourselves against these deceptions?
- In what ways have I been tempted to compromise my values and morals, and how can I seek God's strength and wisdom to resist these temptations?
- What are some 'stolen waters' and 'secret bread' that I may be indulging in, and how can I repent and turn to God for forgiveness and restoration?
- How can I use my words and actions to warn others of the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:18
But he knoweth not that the dead [are] there,.... In the house of this foolish and wicked woman, into which she invites passengers to turn; the simple, that is persuaded by her, does not consider
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:18
But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell. But he knoweth not that the dead (are) there; and that her guests (are) in the depths of hell.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:18
Knoweth not, i.e. he doth not consider it seriously, whereby he proveth his folly.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:18
Proverbs 9:18 But he knoweth not that the dead [are] there; [and that] her guests [are] in the depths of hell.Ver. 18. That the dead are there.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 9:18
(18) The dead are there.—Comp. on Proverbs 2:18.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 9:18
Verse 18. But he knoweth not that the dead are there] See on Proverbs 2:18. He does not know that it was in this way the first apostates from God and truth walked. רפאים rephaim; γιγαντες, the GIANTS. - Septuagint. The sons of men, the earth-born, to distinguish them from the sons of God, those who were born from above. See Clarke on Genesis 6:1, c. Her guests are in the depths of hell.] Those who have been drawn out of the way of understanding by profligacy have in general lost their lives, if not their souls, by their folly. The Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic make a long addition to this verse: "But draw thou back, that thou mayest not die in this place neither fix thy eyes upon her; so shalt thou pass by those strange waters. But abstain thou from strange waters, and drink not of another's fountain, that thou mayest live a long time, and that years may be added to thy life." Of this addition there is nothing in the Hebrew, the Chaldee, or the Vulgate, as now printed: but in the editio princeps are the following words: - Qui enim applicabitur illi descendet ad inferos; nam qui abscesserit ab ea salvabitur. These words were in the copy from which my old MS. Bible has been made, as the following version proves: Who forsoth schal ben joyned to hir, schal falle doun on to hell: for whi he that goth awai fro hir, schal be saved.
Three of my own MSS. have the same reading.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 9:18
18. the dead] To enter her house is to quit the land of the living, and enter the dark abode of the “shades,” Heb. Rephaim. See Proverbs 2:18, note. hell] Heb. Sheol. See Proverbs 9:5, note, and comp. Proverbs 2:18, Proverbs 7:27. The LXX. after their manner, expand the warning here, and repeat the figure of “waters” and the “fountain,” Proverbs 5:15-18.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 9:18
Compare the marginal reference. With this warning the long introduction closes, and the collection of separate proverbs begins. Wisdom and Folly have each spoken; the issues of each have been painted in life-like hues.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:18
18. He — The “simple” of the preceding verse. The dead — ψτΰιν, rephaim, the ghosts, spectres, shades. Her guests — Her invited ones.
Sermons on Proverbs 9:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Continue in Sin by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of addressing hidden sins and lust in the hearts and minds of believers. He explains that God considers these hidden sins to |
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2 Corinthians Teaching - God Who Raises the Dead by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan discusses the profound motivations behind Christian ministry as illustrated in 2 Corinthians, emphasizing the duality of the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. |
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Forsaking God by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having knowledge and understanding of God's Word. He quotes Hosea 4:6, which states that God's people are disturbed for la |
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(Basics) 23. Another Reason for Failure by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for believers to recognize its gravity. He uses the example of Adam and Eve, who were given only one comm |
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Five Rules for Christian Living - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a holy fear and reverence for God. He explains that this kind of fear cannot be induced by external factors like fa |
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(Guidelines) Is the Bible Important by J. Vernon McGee | The sermon transcript describes the goal of the through the Bible ministry, which is to give the entire Bible, the word of God, to men as they are. The speaker shares stories of ho |
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Fear of the Lord by Winkie Pratney | Winkie Pratney emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the foremost requirement from God, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:12. He explains that while love, service, and obedience are im |