Ecclesiastes 7:26

KJV

And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart [is] snares and nets, [and] her hands [as] bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I find {H4672} more bitter {H4751} than death {H4194} the woman {H802}, whose heart {H3820} is snares {H4685} and nets {H2764}, and her hands {H3027} as bands {H612}: whoso pleaseth {H2896}{H6440} God {H430} shall escape {H4422} from her; but the sinner {H2398} shall be taken {H3920} by her.

Complete Jewish Bible

I found more bitter than death the woman who is a trap, whose heart is a snare and whose hands are like prison chains. The man who pleases God will escape from her, but the sinner will be caught by her.

Berean Standard Bible

And I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a net, and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is ensnared.

American Standard Version

And I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, and whose hands are bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 7:26 offers a profound and sobering reflection from Qoheleth, the Preacher, on a specific form of moral peril, personified as a woman whose influence is more devastating than death itself. This verse starkly contrasts the fate of those who seek God's favor, who are divinely protected from such destructive entanglements, with the inevitable capture and ruin of those who disregard divine wisdom and succumb to sin. It underscores the critical importance of discernment and righteousness in navigating the treacherous complexities of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 7 is a pivotal chapter within Qoheleth's broader philosophical exploration of life "under the sun." Following reflections on the value of a good name over riches, the benefits of sorrow over laughter, and the dangers of hasty anger, the Preacher delves into the elusive nature of true wisdom and righteousness. Verses 15-22 discuss the paradoxical nature of righteousness and wickedness, questioning human ability to fully grasp God's work. This leads directly into Qoheleth's personal quest for wisdom, culminating in the lament that he has found few truly upright people, particularly among women (Ecclesiastes 7:23-29). Verse 26, therefore, serves as a vivid illustration of the profound moral corruption and spiritual danger that Qoheleth has observed in his search for ultimate truth and goodness, specifically highlighting a potent source of human downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is set in ancient Israel, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, a figure renowned for his wisdom but also for his numerous foreign wives and concubines, which ultimately led his heart astray (compare [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Idolatry")). While the "woman" in this verse is primarily a personification of folly and temptation, the cultural context of the ancient Near East, with its emphasis on patriarchal structures and the vulnerability of men to the allure of "strange women" or those who practiced idolatry and immorality (as seen in [Proverbs 2:16-19](/proverbs/2 "Proverbs 2:16-19 - Warning Against the Adulteress")), provides a backdrop. The warnings against seductive women were common in wisdom literature, reflecting real societal dangers associated with illicit relationships, idolatrous practices, and the moral decay they could induce.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Ecclesiastes and broader wisdom literature. First, it powerfully illustrates the **destructive nature of folly and sin**, personified as a cunning and entrapping force. This aligns with the book's overall exploration of the futility and vanity found in pursuits apart from God. Second, it highlights the theme of **divine discernment and protection**, emphasizing that a right relationship with God is the only true safeguard against life's most perilous snares. Those who "pleaseth God" are granted a unique escape, contrasting sharply with the fate of the "sinner." This reinforces the recurring message that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord"). Finally, the verse touches upon the **consequences of moral choices**, clearly delineating two paths: one leading to freedom through divine favor, the other to bondage and ruin through sin. This echoes the broader biblical principle that one reaps what one sows, a concept found throughout the wisdom tradition (e.g., [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bitter (Hebrew, _mar'_ H4751):** Derived from a root meaning "to be bitter," this word extends beyond a mere taste sensation to denote intense sorrow, grief, or severe affliction. In Ecclesiastes 7:26, it signifies an experience far more agonizing and destructive than physical death itself, implying spiritual and moral ruin that leaves a person utterly devastated and without hope. It speaks to the profound anguish and despair that results from entanglement with this destructive "woman."
* **Snares (Hebrew, _mâtsôwd'_ H4685) and Nets (Hebrew, _chêrem'_ H2764):** These terms are used interchangeably to describe hunting traps designed to capture animals, emphasizing the deceptive and inescapable nature of the "woman's" allure. _Mâtsôwd_ refers to a net or snare, while _chêrem_ specifically denotes a net, but also carries the profound theological implication of something "doomed" or "utterly destroyed." This dual usage powerfully conveys that her intentions are not merely to capture, but to utterly ruin and condemn those she ensnares, marking them for destruction.
* **Sinner (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_ H2398):** This primitive root means "to miss the mark." It describes one who deviates from God's intended path, fails to meet divine standards, or acts contrary to God's will. In this context, the "sinner" is not merely someone who makes a mistake, but one whose life is characterized by a deliberate or habitual turning away from God, making them vulnerable and susceptible to the destructive forces personified by the "woman."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart [is] snares and nets, [and] her hands [as] bands:"** Qoheleth expresses a deeply personal and profound discovery, stating that the experience of being ensnared by this particular type of woman is worse than the physical cessation of life. This "woman" is characterized by a deceptive and malicious inner nature ("heart [is] snares and nets") that seeks to entrap and bind, and her actions ("hands [as] bands") are instruments of spiritual and moral captivity, leading to an outcome far more agonizing and irreversible than death itself.
* **"whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her;"** This clause offers a stark contrast and a ray of hope. It declares that those who live in a manner approved by God, whose lives are characterized by righteousness, obedience, and a desire to honor Him, will be divinely protected and delivered from the destructive power of this "woman." Their devotion acts as a shield, enabling them to avoid her traps and remain free.
* **"but the sinner shall be taken by her."** This concluding clause presents the grim consequence for those who do not align themselves with God. The "sinner," defined as one who misses God's mark and lives contrary to His will, lacks the divine protection afforded to the righteous. Consequently, they are inevitably caught and held captive by the very forces of temptation and folly that the "woman" represents, leading to their spiritual and moral downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 7:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. Most prominently, **Personification** is used, where abstract concepts of folly, temptation, and moral corruption are embodied in "the woman." She is not necessarily a specific individual but rather a symbolic representation of destructive influences that ensnare and ruin. Her "heart" and "hands" are given agency, acting as instruments of capture. This is further reinforced by **Metaphor**, as her "heart [is] snares and nets" and her "hands [as] bands," vividly portraying her deceptive and binding power through imagery drawn from hunting and imprisonment. These metaphors emphasize the inescapable nature of her influence once one falls prey. Finally, the verse utilizes stark **Antithesis** or **Contrast** by juxtaposing the fate of "whoso pleaseth God" with "the sinner." This sharp distinction highlights the divergent outcomes based on one's relationship with the divine, underscoring the critical choice between righteousness and unrighteousness and their respective consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 7:26 is deeply rooted in the wisdom tradition, articulating a core theological principle that a life lived in alignment with God's will provides protection from spiritual and moral peril, whereas deviation leads to inevitable entanglement and ruin. The "woman" here is not merely a gendered figure but a potent symbol of idolatry, spiritual adultery, and the seductive power of sin that draws one away from God. This concept resonates with the Old Testament's frequent warnings against turning away from the Lord to pursue false gods or immoral practices, which are consistently portrayed as a form of spiritual prostitution. The verse thus serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and the necessity of seeking God's approval above all else.

* [Proverbs 2:16-19](/proverbs/2-16 "Proverbs 2:16-19 - Deliverance from the Adulteress")
* [Proverbs 5:3-5](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3-5 - The Lips of a Strange Woman")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Temptation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 7:26 offers a timeless warning that transcends its specific cultural context, urging us to cultivate profound spiritual discernment in a world rife with seductive influences. The "woman" can symbolize any powerful temptation, ideology, or relationship that promises gratification but ultimately leads to spiritual bondage, moral decay, and profound bitterness. This could be the allure of illicit pleasure, the deceptive promise of worldly success at the expense of integrity, or even spiritual teachings that subtly draw us away from the truth of God's Word. Our primary defense lies not in our own strength or cleverness, but in actively seeking to "please God" through obedience, prayer, and a heart devoted to Him. This verse calls us to a life of vigilance, recognizing that sin, in its various guises, is a cunning hunter, and only by walking closely with God can we truly escape its snares and nets, preserving our freedom and spiritual vitality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "snares and nets" in contemporary society might represent the destructive influence described in this verse?**
* **How does seeking to "please God" practically equip an individual to escape moral and spiritual pitfalls?**
* **In what ways might a "sinner" be "taken" by destructive forces today, and what are the long-term consequences?**
* **How can we cultivate the discernment necessary to identify and resist subtle temptations before they become binding "bands"?**

### FAQ
**Is "the woman" in Ecclesiastes 7:26 a literal woman or a symbol?**

Answer: While the verse uses the specific imagery of "the woman," biblical scholars generally interpret her as a powerful personification of folly, temptation, and moral corruption rather than exclusively referring to a literal female individual. This "woman" embodies the seductive and destructive nature of sin, especially as it relates to illicit desires, idolatry, or any pursuit that draws one away from God. The wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, frequently uses this personification to warn against the dangers of ungodly influences and choices, contrasting them with the life-giving path of true wisdom (e.g., [Proverbs 9:13-18](/proverbs/9-13 "Proverbs 9:13-18 - The Call of Folly")).

**What does it mean to "please God" in this context?**

Answer: To "please God" (Hebrew: _ṭôwb liphne Ha'Elohim_, literally "good before God") means to live in a manner that is righteous, upright, and obedient to His commands. It implies a life characterized by integrity, discernment, and a conscious effort to walk in His ways, seeking His favor and approval above all else. This isn't about earning salvation, but about cultivating a relationship of trust and obedience that results in divine protection and guidance, enabling one to navigate the moral complexities of life successfully. This concept is foundational to biblical faith, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith Pleases God").

**What are the consequences for "the sinner" who is "taken by her"?**

Answer: The consequence for "the sinner" who is "taken" (Hebrew: _lâkad_, meaning "to catch" or "capture") by this destructive influence is spiritual and moral bondage, ruin, and ultimately, a life more bitter than death. This implies a loss of freedom, a hardening of the heart, and entanglement in patterns of sin that lead to profound despair and separation from God. It's a vivid depiction of the spiritual slavery that results from choosing a path contrary to divine wisdom, as highlighted in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 7:26, with its stark contrast between the one who pleases God and escapes the snare of destructive folly and the sinner who is captured, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "woman" personifying sin and spiritual death represents the very power from which humanity needs deliverance—the bondage of sin and its consequence. Christ, as the embodiment of true Wisdom (compare [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")), is the only one who perfectly "pleased God" in every aspect of His life and ministry (as affirmed at His baptism in [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Affirmation of Jesus")). Through His sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross, and victorious resurrection, Jesus broke the "bands" of sin and death, offering true escape to all who believe. He became the ultimate "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), delivering us from the bitter consequences of our own sin and the snares of the enemy. Therefore, those who are "in Christ" are no longer "sinners" destined to be taken, but are made righteous through His imputed righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")), enabling them to truly "escape" and live a life pleasing to God through the power of the Holy Spirit. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life who frees us from every spiritual trap ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 22:14

¶ The mouth of strange women [is] a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

Proverbs 5:3

For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than oil:

Proverbs 5:5

Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

Proverbs 2:18

For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.

Proverbs 2:19

None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

Ecclesiastes 2:26

For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

Proverbs 2:16

To deliver thee from the strange woman, [even] from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words;