King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
Complete Jewish Bible:
Can a man walk [barefoot] on hot coals without scorching his feet?
Berean Standard Bible:
Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet?
American Standard Version:
Or can one walk upon hot coals, And his feet not be scorched?
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Can one{H376} go{H1980} upon hot coals{H1513}, and his feet{H7272} not be burned{H3554}?
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for Proverbs 6:28
Proverbs 6:28 is part of a larger passage in the Book of Proverbs that warns against the dangers of immorality, specifically adultery. The verse uses a rhetorical question to illustrate the inevitability of consequences for one's actions: "Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?" This metaphor suggests that just as it is impossible to walk on burning coals without sustaining injury, it is equally impossible to engage in sinful behavior, particularly sexual immorality, without facing negative repercussions.
The historical context of Proverbs places it within the wisdom literature of the ancient Near East. This genre includes instructions for living a virtuous and successful life, often through pithy sayings and practical advice. The Book of Proverbs is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, known for his wisdom, and was likely compiled over a long period of time, with contributions from various sages.
The themes of Proverbs 6:28 include personal responsibility, the law of cause and effect, and the moral imperative to avoid destructive behavior. The verse reflects the broader wisdom tradition's concern with the practical outcomes of one's choices and the belief that moral conduct is essential for a well-ordered life and society. It serves as a stark warning that violating moral laws, like the physical law that prevents one from walking on fire unscathed, will result in harm, whether immediate or eventual. This verse, like many in Proverbs, uses vivid imagery to convey its message, making it memorable and applicable across different cultures and time periods.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H376
There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אִישׁ
Transliteration: ʼîysh
Pronunciation: eesh
Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare אִשָּׁה. - Strong's Number: H1980
There are 468 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: הָלַךְ
Transliteration: hâlak
Pronunciation: haw-lak'
Description: akin to יָלַךְ; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively); (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. - Strong's Number: H1513
There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גֶּחֶל
Transliteration: gechel
Pronunciation: geh'-khel
Description: or (feminine) גַּחֶלֶת; from an unused root meaning to glow or kindle; an ember; (burning) coal. - Strong's Number: H7272
There are 232 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רֶגֶל
Transliteration: regel
Pronunciation: reh'-gel
Description: from רָגַל; a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda; [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. - Strong's Number: H3554
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּוָה
Transliteration: kâvâh
Pronunciation: kaw-vaw'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to prick or penetrate; hence, to blister (as smarting or eating into); burn.