Proverbs 7:6 — Word Study
WLCכִּ֭י בְּחַלּ֣וֹן בֵּיתִ֑י בְּעַ֖ד אֶשְׁנַבִּ֣י נִשְׁקָֽפְתִּי׃
BSAForkîy [because of this, as a result] at the windowchallôwn [lattice, casement] of my housebayith [dwelling place, home] I lookedshâqaph■ [gazed, peeped] throughbᵉʻad [out of, from] the latticeʼeshnâb [crisscross pattern, trellis]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| כִּ֭י | for | Particle |
| בְּחַלּ֣וֹן | at [the] window of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| בֵּיתִ֑י | house my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| בְּעַ֖ד | through | Prep |
| אֶשְׁנַבִּ֣י | lattice my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| נִשְׁקָֽפְתִּי׃ | I looked down | Verb, Niphal, perfect first person common singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | For at the window of my house I looked through the lattice. |
| KJV | ¶ For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, |
| ASV | For at the window of my house I looked forth through my lattice; |
| YLT | For, at a window of my house, Through my casement I have looked out, |
| WEB | For at the window of my house, I looked out through my lattice. |
| BBE | Looking out from my house, and watching through the window, |
There are no significant differences in translations for this verse.
The sentence is structured with one main clause followed by two prepositional phrases that provide context for the action.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbשָׁקַף
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 7:6
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Warning Against Seductiongenerated
Proverbs 7:6 is part of a passage that warns against the dangers of seduction and the allure of the adulteress. The speaker reflects on their observations, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and discernment in the face of temptation. The surrounding verses describe the consequences of folly and the need for wisdom to navigate life's challenges.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 26:8 | When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down from the window and was surprised to see Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 6:16 | As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Saul’s daughter Michal looked down from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 2 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אֶשְׁנַבִּי, 'esh.na.Bigenerated
The word אֶשְׁנַב (eshnab) refers to a lattice or window feature, characterized by a crisscross pattern. It suggests a means of viewing the outside world while maintaining some separation. The construction of the word indicates it is a noun in the singular form, specifically used here to denote a type of window.
In this context, the lattice serves as a barrier that allows for observation while also providing a sense of security. The speaker's use of this term highlights the act of looking out, which is both a physical and metaphorical gesture of awareness.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree on the basic meaning of the verse, with all versions rendering the phrase in a similar manner.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the sentence is נִשְׁקָֽפְתִּי, I looked, which governs the entire clause. The structure includes a prepositional phrase indicating the location of the action, followed by noun phrases that specify what is being looked at.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the act of looking, with the window and house being secondary to the action, highlighting the speaker's intention to observe.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates the Hebrew word for 'window' as πλατείας (plateias), indicating a broader concept of an opening or space. This choice reflects a more general understanding of the term, which may imply a larger perspective.
The translation of the verb נִשְׁקָֽפְתִּי is rendered differently, emphasizing the act of looking down or peering, which aligns with the intent of the original Hebrew.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 7:6 describes a person looking out through a window in their house. This observation is part of a larger warning about the dangers of temptation and the need for wisdom. The speaker is cautious and aware of their surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Looking through the lattice symbolizes careful observation and awareness of one's surroundings, especially in the context of avoiding temptation.
The window represents a barrier that allows for observation while maintaining safety, reflecting the speaker's desire to be vigilant.
This verse is part of a larger warning against seduction, emphasizing the need for wisdom and discernment in navigating relationships.
The speaker's observation teaches the importance of being aware of potential dangers and the need to exercise caution in situations that may lead to folly.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what situations do I need to be more aware of my surroundings to avoid temptation?
- How can I cultivate wisdom to make better decisions in my life?
- What are some practical steps I can take to guard against seduction and folly?
- How does the act of observing relate to my understanding of discernment and judgment?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators have referenced this verse to discuss the themes of temptation and vigilance, drawing lessons from the speaker's observations.
With a provocative movement of a prostitute, with a disrupted gait through delights, with wandering eyes, and with playful darting of her eyelids,Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 7 →
Uncircumcised in smell and touch are those who are steeped in ointment and various odors, who pursue the embraces of a harlot, sprinkling their bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 7 →
For from the window of my house I looked through the lattice, etc. Aptly, however, does Solomon say he looked from the window of his house through the lattice, to judge the deeds of the little ones.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 7 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 7:6 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleFor at the window of my house,.... This is either an historical account of a matter of fact known to Solomon, or a parable made by him, setting forth the cunning artifices of an harlot, the folly and
Read John Gill on Proverbs 7 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryFor at the window of my house I looked through my casement, For at the window of my house I looked through my casement - "the lattice" (Judges 5:28), whence one could see what was going on in the
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 7 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThis is either an historical relation, or rather a parabolical representation of that which frequently happened.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 7 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 7:6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,Ver. 6. I looked through my casement.] Little did this young fool think whose eye was upon him, less did he heed the all-seeing eye of Heaven. Solomon was observing his subjects’ carriages, and found a miscarriage. Magistrates, as they have many eyes upon them (whence also they have their name in the Hebrew tongue), so they are to have their eyes upon many, watching when other men sleep, and observing what other men slight. The poets feign that Jupiter overlooks the world, and that Somnus or sleep, dared never come near him. "A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes." Nagid a…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 7 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 6. I looked through my casement] The casement is a small aperture in a large window, or a window opening on hinges. Here it means the lattice, for they had no glass windows in the East. And the latticed windows produced a double advantage: 1. Making the apartments sufficiently private; and 2. Admitting fresh air to keep them cool.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 7 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges6. casement] Or, lattice, R.V., as the same Heb. word is translated in A.V. in Judges 5:28, the only other place in which it occurs. Proverbs 7:7-9. A few graphic strokes draw the picture of the victim. He is not yet positively vicious; but his feeble moral character (Proverbs 7:7), his thoughtless running into danger (Proverbs 7:8), and the perilous hour he chooses (Proverbs 7:9), conspire to render him an easy prey.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 7 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleCasement - The latticed opening of an Eastern house, overlooking the street (compare Judges 5:28).
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 7 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible6. Casement — Lattice or window-slats, like our Venetian blinds, made to keep out the sun and rain, but to admit the air. The Israelites had no glass.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 7 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
For at the window of my house I looked through the lattice.
For at the window of my house, I looked out through my lattice.
For at the window of my house I looked through the lattice.
For at the window of my house through my window lattice I looked out
Tyndale line
¶ For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,
For at the window of my house I looked forth through my lattice;
For at the window of my house I looked forth through my lattice;
For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,
As I was in the window of mine house, I looked through my windowe,
Strictly literal
For at the window of my house, I looked forth through my lattice,
For, at a window of my house, Through my casement I have looked out,
For at a window of my house, || I have looked out through my casement,
For through the window of my house, through my lattice did I [once] look out,
At the window of my house I was looking out through the lattice.
From the Latin
For I look out of the window of my house through the lattice,
Simplified
One time I looked through the lattice of the window in my house,
Looking out from my house, and watching through the window,
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree on the wording of this verse, with five of the six words matching. The Septuagint's translation reflects its own syntactical structure, but the core meaning remains consistent with the Hebrew.
כִּ֭י בְּחַלּ֣וֹן בֵּיתִ֑י בְּעַ֖ד אֶשְׁנַבִּ֣י נִשְׁקָֽפְתִּי׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 7:6
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--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.
כִּי (ki) — for.
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
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
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)
Conj — ParticleHTc
for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.
In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…
חַלּוֹן (challown) means 'window' in Hebrew, referring to an opening or perforation in a wall. The term is noted as both masculine and feminine in gender. It emphasizes the concept of a window as a means of light and air entering a space.
חַלּוֹן n.m. and f. window
base
H2474 חַלּוֹן window
2474 challown khal-lone'
a window (as perforated):--window.
חַלּוֹן (chal.lon) — window.
window (piercing of the wall)
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word בַּיִת (*bayith*) means 'house' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including dwelling, family, and place. It can refer to physical structures, such as homes and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like the body or household affairs. The word is built from the root related to 'between' and appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between
base
בַּ֫יִת 2034 n.m. house
house
place
receptacle
of house as containing a family
household, family (592 t.)
house, including household affairs
lit. housewards, hence metaph. inwards
מִבַּיִת
adv. on the inside
prep. within
base
H1004a בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between H1004b בַּ֫יִת house
1004 bayith bah'-yith
probably from 1129 abbreviated; a house (in the greatest
variation of applications, especially family, etc.):--court,
daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of, X great as
would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold),
inside(-ward), palace, place, + prison, + steward, + tablet,
temple, web, + within(-out).
see HEBREW for 01129
בֵּית (bet) — place.
nm
place, origin, between
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — house: home.
: home/temple/building
nm
1) house
1a) house, dwelling habitation
1b) shelter or abode of animals
1c) human bodies (fig.)
1d) of Sheol
1e) of abode of light and darkness
1f) of land of Ephraim
2) place
3) receptacle
4) home, house as containing a family
5) household, family
5a) those belonging to the same household
5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body
6) household affairs
7) inwards (metaph.)
8) (TWOT) temple
adv
9) on the inside
prep
10) within
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(ashbea).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
Combined with ash.be.a (אַשְׁבֵּעַ "Ashbea" H0791)
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth (Haggan).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
Combined with hag (גַּן "Haggan" H1588)
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(togarmah).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
בַּ֫עַד (ba'ad) is a Hebrew word that functions as a preposition and noun, indicating separation or position, such as 'away from,' 'behind,' 'about,' or 'on behalf of.' It is derived from a root meaning to separate and covers a range of spatial and metaphorical uses. The lexicons agree on its meanings, with variations in emphasis on specific usages.
בַּ֫עַד subst. prop. separation, with a gen., in separation from, in usage a prep. away from, behind, about, on behalf of
base
H1157 בַּ֫עַד subst. prop. separation, with a gen., in separation from, in usage a prep. away from, behind, about, on behalf of
1157 b`ad beh-ad'
from 5704 with prepositional prefix; in up to or over
against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for,
etc.:--about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on),
within.
see HEBREW for 05704
בַּ֫עַד (be.ad) — about/through/for.
1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about
1a) through (of action)
1b) behind (with verbs of shutting)
1c) about (with verbs of fencing)
1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Prep — PrepHAcbsc
אֶשְׁנָב (eshnab) refers to a window-lattice or casement. It is derived from an unused root that likely means to leave interstices. The term is used in the context of a latticed window, indicating a structure that allows light while providing some separation.
אֶשְׁנָב n.[m.] window-lattice
base
H822 אֶשְׁנָב
822 'eshnab esh-nawb'
apparently from an unused root (probably meaning to leave
interstices); A latticed window:--casement, lattice.
אֶשְׁנָב (esh.nav) — lattice.
window-lattice
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
שָׁקַף (sha.qaph) is a Hebrew verb meaning to look down or out, often implying an action of leaning over to gaze. It encompasses the ideas of overhanging and peeping, with forms indicating both passive and active looking. The entries suggest its use in contexts where one overlooks or observes from a height.
[שָׁקַף] vb. Niph. Hiph. overhang, look out and down
Niph. lean over (and look), look down
Hiph. look down
base
H8259 שָׁקַף overhang, look out and down . lean over (and look), look down
. look down
8259 shaqaph shaw-kaf'
a primitive root; properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e.
(by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle):--
appear, look (down, forth, out).
שָׁקַף (sha.qaph) — to look.
1) to overlook, look down or out, overhang, look out and down
1a) (Niphal) to lean over (and look), look down
1b) (Hiphil) to look down, look down upon
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Niphal · perfect first person common singularHVNp1cs