Proverbs 23:27

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For a whore [is] a deep ditch; and a strange woman [is] a narrow pit.

Complete Jewish Bible:

A prostitute is a deep ditch, and a forbidden woman like a narrow well.

Berean Standard Bible:

For a prostitute is a deep pit, and an adulteress is a narrow well.

American Standard Version:

For a harlot is a deep ditch; And a foreign woman is a narrow pit.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For a whore^{H2181} is a deep^{H6013} ditch^{H7745}; and a strange woman^{H5237} is a narrow^{H6862} pit^{H875}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 23:27

Proverbs 23:27, found within the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible, employs vivid metaphors to convey a moral warning. The verse reads, "For a whore [is] a deep ditch; and a strange woman [is] a narrow pit." In this context, the term "whore" refers to a promiscuous or adulterous woman, and "strange woman" likely denotes a woman who is not one's wife or who is foreign to the covenant community, thus representing a threat to fidelity and social order.

The historical context of this proverb is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern patriarchal society, where the integrity of family lineage and property rights were paramount. Adultery was not only a moral and religious transgression but also a significant social offense that could disrupt inheritance and familial harmony. The verse reflects the concern for maintaining sexual purity and marital fidelity, which were integral to the stability and continuity of the Israelite community.

The themes of Proverbs 23:27 include the dangers of sexual immorality and the wisdom of avoiding entanglements with those who could lead one into sin. The metaphors of a "deep ditch" and a "narrow pit" suggest that involvement with such individuals is perilous, leading to entrapment and potential ruin. The "deep ditch" implies a hidden threat that one might fall into unexpectedly, while the "narrow pit" conveys the idea of a constrained situation with no easy escape. These images serve as a stark warning against the allure of illicit sexual relationships, emphasizing the wisdom of self-control and the importance of choosing righteous companions.

In summary, Proverbs 23:27 uses powerful imagery to caution against the moral and social pitfalls of engaging with promiscuous or adulterous individuals. It reflects the values of its historical context, where familial purity and social stability were highly valued, and it underscores the broader biblical theme of wisdom as a guide to righteous living and the avoidance of destructive behavior.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H2181
   There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: זָנָה
   Transliteration: zânâh
   Pronunciation: zaw-naw'
   Description: a primitive root (highly-fed and therefore wanton); to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of Jehovah); (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish.
   
2. Strong's Number: H6013
   There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָמֹק
   Transliteration: ʻâmôq
   Pronunciation: aw-moke'
   Description: from עָמַק; deep (literally or figuratively); ([idiom] exceeding) deep (thing).
   
3. Strong's Number: H7745
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שׁוּחָה
   Transliteration: shûwchâh
   Pronunciation: shoo-khaw'
   Description: from שׁוּחַ; a chasm; ditch, pit.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5237
   There are 45 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נׇכְרִי
   Transliteration: nokrîy
   Pronunciation: nok-ree'
   Description: from נֶכֶר (second form); strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful); alien, foreigner, outlandish, strange(-r, woman).
   
5. Strong's Number: H6862
   There are 102 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צַר
   Transliteration: tsar
   Pronunciation: tsar
   Description: or צָר; from צָרַר; compare as in צֹר; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place (usually figuratively, i.e. trouble); also a pebble ; (transitive) an opponent (as crowding); adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble.
   
6. Strong's Number: H875
   There are 255 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בְּאֵר
   Transliteration: bᵉʼêr
   Pronunciation: be-ayr'
   Description: from בָּאַר; a pit; especially a well; pit, well.