Proverbs 2:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

None that go {H935} unto her return again {H7725}, neither take they hold {H5381} of the paths {H734} of life {H2416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

None who go to her return; they never regain the path to life.

Berean Standard Bible

None who go to her return or negotiate the paths of life.

American Standard Version

None that go unto her return again, Neither do they attain unto the paths of life:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 2:19 delivers a stark and urgent warning within the father's counsel, highlighting the perilous and often irreversible consequences of abandoning the path of wisdom for the enticements of the "strange woman"—a figure embodying sexual immorality and spiritual deception. The verse asserts that those who succumb to her allure rarely, if ever, manage to return to a life of righteousness, thereby forfeiting their grasp on the true and blessed "paths of life" that God intends for His people. It underscores the profound and lasting spiritual and existential danger inherent in such destructive choices, emphasizing the deep entrenchment that occurs when one deviates from divine wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the foundational discourse of Proverbs chapters 1-9, which function as a comprehensive instruction on the supreme value of wisdom and the dire consequences of folly. The recurring motif of a father's earnest appeal to his son contrasts the blessings of pursuing wisdom with the destructive nature of sin. Specifically, [Proverbs 2:16-19](/proverbs/2-16-19 "Proverbs 2:16-19 - Warning Against the Strange Woman") focuses intensely on the "strange woman" (or adulteress), a vivid personification of seductive evil, encompassing both literal sexual immorality and any deviation from God's truth. Verse 19 serves as a climactic and sobering warning within this section, emphasizing the profound difficulty and near finality of escape for those ensnared by her. The preceding verses, [Proverbs 2:10-15](/proverbs/2-10-15 "Proverbs 2:10-15 - Benefits of Wisdom and Discernment"), detail the protective power of wisdom, making the subsequent warning about the strange woman even more potent by highlighting the stark contrast to the security found in righteous living.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the preservation of family honor, lineage, and community stability was paramount. Sexual purity, particularly for women, was considered vital, and adultery was a grave offense carrying severe social and legal repercussions. The "strange woman" (Hebrew: *zarah* or *nokriyah*) could literally refer to a foreign woman, an outsider, or, more broadly, a woman who deviates from established moral and social norms, particularly an adulteress or prostitute. Beyond the literal interpretation, she functions as a powerful symbol for any form of spiritual apostasy or idolatry that lures one away from the covenant relationship with Yahweh. Wisdom literature, including Proverbs, frequently employed vivid, relatable imagery drawn from daily life and social order to convey profound moral and theological truths, grounding abstract concepts in tangible realities. The "paths" metaphor was a common and potent way to describe one's moral conduct, destiny, and the course of one's life in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 2:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes present throughout the book. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **The Peril of Immorality**, particularly sexual sin, portraying it not merely as a transgression but as an insidious, destructive force that leads to spiritual death and societal ruin. Secondly, the phrase "None that go unto her return again" underscores the theme of the **Irreversibility of Destructive Choices**. While not negating the possibility of divine grace and repentance, it highlights the profound difficulty and rarity of recovery once an individual has deeply entrenched themselves in a pattern of sin, suggesting a moral and spiritual descent from which escape is exceptionally challenging. This echoes warnings found elsewhere in Proverbs about the consequences of rejecting wisdom, such as in [Proverbs 1:24-33](/proverbs/1-24-33 "Proverbs 1:24-33 - Wisdom's Rejection and Its Consequences"). Lastly, the verse emphasizes the **Loss of "Paths of Life"**. Those who follow the strange woman forfeit the true, blessed, and vibrant way of living that God intends, which is characterized by righteousness, peace, and communion with Him. This contrasts sharply with the "path of the wicked," which is dark and leads to destruction, as seen in [Proverbs 4:19](/proverbs/4-19 "Proverbs 4:19 - The Way of the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, a primitive root meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." In Proverbs 2:19, this word signifies not merely a physical turning around but a moral and spiritual reversal, implying a return to a righteous way of life or to God. The verse's assertion that "none... return again" highlights the extreme difficulty or rarity of such a spiritual U-turn once deeply ensnared by the strange woman's influence, suggesting a profound internal shift that becomes almost impossible.
* **take they hold (Hebrew, _nâsag'_):** From H5381, a primitive root meaning "to reach (literally or figuratively); ability, be able, attain (unto), (be able to, can) get, lay at, put, reach, remove, wax rich, [idiom] surely, (over-) take (hold of, on, upon)." Here, it denotes the ability to grasp, attain, or maintain a firm grip on something. The negative "neither take they hold" indicates a complete inability to hold onto or regain the "paths of life," signifying a loss of spiritual footing, moral discernment, and the very capacity to choose and walk in God's intended way.
* **life (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From H2416, meaning "alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively." In the context of "paths of life," it refers to a vibrant, flourishing existence characterized by spiritual vitality, righteousness, and divine blessing, contrasting sharply with the spiritual death, decay, and ultimate destruction associated with the strange woman's path.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"None that go unto her return again":** This clause presents a stark and sobering declaration about the profound difficulty of escaping the clutches of the "strange woman." It suggests that once a person commits to this path of immorality and spiritual deception, the likelihood of them turning back, repenting, and restoring their life to righteousness is exceptionally low. This is not necessarily an absolute impossibility, but rather a powerful warning about the deep entrenchment and spiritual hardening that occurs, making a genuine "return" (Hebrew: *shûwb*) exceedingly rare. It speaks to the insidious nature of sin, which, when indulged, creates its own gravitational pull, making escape progressively harder and the will to return diminished.
* **"neither take they hold of the paths of life":** This second clause describes the tragic and inevitable consequence of the first. Because those who go to her do not return, they simultaneously lose their ability to grasp, follow, or maintain a connection with "the paths of life." These "paths" (Hebrew: *ʼôrach*) represent a lifestyle aligned with God's wisdom and commandments, leading to true flourishing, blessing, and spiritual vitality. The inability to "take hold" (Hebrew: *nâsag*) signifies a complete forfeiture of the righteous way, leading instead to spiritual desolation, moral decay, and ultimate destruction. It implies a loss of discernment, a corrupted moral compass, and the very capacity to choose and walk in God's intended way for a truly abundant existence.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 2:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent warning with maximum impact. **Personification** is central, as "her" refers to the "strange woman" (or adulteress) introduced in preceding verses. She is not merely an abstract concept of sin but a seductive, active agent luring individuals to destruction, making the warning more tangible, immediate, and relatable. The phrase "paths of life" is a powerful **Metaphor**, representing a moral and spiritual way of living that leads to flourishing, blessing, and communion with God. This contrasts implicitly and starkly with the "paths of death" or destruction that the strange woman represents. The statement "None that go unto her return again" utilizes **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration for emphatic effect. While God's grace always allows for repentance, the hyperbole underscores the extreme difficulty, rarity, and profound spiritual damage that makes a return from deep entanglement in such sin exceptionally challenging, serving as a severe deterrent to prevent one from ever embarking on such a path.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 2:19 articulates a profound theological truth about the nature of sin and its consequences, particularly highlighting the insidious and often self-perpetuating cycle of moral decay. It emphasizes that certain choices, especially those involving deep moral compromise and spiritual rebellion, can lead to a hardening of the heart and a loss of spiritual sensitivity that makes a return to God's ways incredibly difficult. This verse powerfully resonates with the broader biblical theme of "the two ways" – the way of righteousness leading to life and the way of wickedness leading to destruction – a foundational concept not only in wisdom literature but throughout all of Scripture. It underscores divine justice, where persistent rejection of wisdom naturally leads to self-inflicted spiritual and existential ruin, emphasizing the gravity of moral choices and the profound value of discerning and embracing God's "paths of life."

* [Proverbs 5:5](/proverbs/5-5 "The Adulteress's Path Leads to Death")
* [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18-19 "The Path of the Just and the Wicked")
* [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "The Narrow and Wide Gates")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 2:19 serves as a timeless and urgent warning for all generations, compelling us to recognize the deceptive and destructive power of sin, particularly those temptations that promise immediate gratification but lead to long-term spiritual and relational devastation. The verse impresses upon us the critical importance of vigilance, discernment, and making wise choices early in life, especially concerning moral purity and sexual integrity. While God's grace is always available for genuine repentance, this proverb highlights that deep entanglement in sin can lead to a hardening of the heart and a profound loss of spiritual sensitivity, making the journey back to God's "paths of life" incredibly arduous. It reminds us that true freedom, flourishing, and abundant life are found not in indulging fleeting desires but in steadfastly walking in the way of wisdom, which is God's divine design for a blessed and meaningful existence. This proverb calls us to proactively guard our hearts and minds, choosing daily to cling to the life-giving wisdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strange women" or seductive temptations in my life or culture might be subtly luring me away from God's "paths of life"?**
* **How does this proverb's warning about the difficulty of returning from deep sin motivate me to cultivate vigilance and make wise choices proactively?**
* **In what ways can I more firmly "take hold of the paths of life" in my daily decisions and relationships, ensuring I do not drift?**
* **How does understanding the gravity of sin, as depicted here, deepen my appreciation for God's boundless grace and the transformative power of repentance?**

### FAQ

**Does "None that go unto her return again" mean repentance is impossible for those who fall into deep sin?**

Answer: While the proverb uses strong, almost absolute language ("None... return again"), it is best understood as a hyperbole emphasizing the extreme difficulty and rarity of return, rather than an absolute impossibility. The Bible consistently teaches that God's grace is boundless and that genuine repentance is always possible for those who turn to Him, as seen in passages like [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "Confession and Forgiveness") and the profound prayer of contrition in [Psalm 51](/psalms/51 "A Prayer for Cleansing"). The purpose of this proverb is to serve as a severe warning, highlighting the profound spiritual hardening and entanglement that occurs when one persistently walks away from God's wisdom, making the desire or ability to return exceptionally rare without divine intervention. It underscores the high cost of such choices and the insidious, self-reinforcing nature of sin.

**Who is the "strange woman" in Proverbs 2:19?**

Answer: The "strange woman" (Hebrew: *zarah* or *nokriyah*) in Proverbs is primarily a vivid personification of the adulteress or prostitute, representing sexual immorality and illicit relationships. However, in the broader context of wisdom literature, she also symbolizes any form of spiritual deception, idolatry, or folly that lures an individual away from God's covenant and His revealed truth. She embodies the alluring yet ultimately destructive nature of sin that promises pleasure and freedom but inevitably leads to ruin, contrasting sharply with Wisdom, who is also personified as a woman ([Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "The Excellence of Wisdom")) offering life and blessing. Her "paths" are distinct from the "paths of life" that lead to true flourishing.

**What are the "paths of life" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "paths of life" (Hebrew: *ʼôrach chayyim*) refer to a way of living that is aligned with God's wisdom, commandments, and righteous principles. It signifies a life characterized by spiritual vitality, moral integrity, divine blessing, and ultimately, true flourishing and communion with God. This concept is central to wisdom literature, contrasting sharply with the "paths of death" or destruction that result from folly and sin. It represents the journey of obedience and faithfulness that leads to a rich and meaningful existence, as vividly described in passages like [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "The Path of Life") where the psalmist declares, "You make known to me the path of life."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 2:19, with its dire warning about paths leading away from life and the implied near-impossibility of return, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb highlights the tragic consequences of choosing destructive paths, Christ enters human history as the very embodiment of the "paths of life" that humanity had lost through sin. He declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")". The "strange woman" of Proverbs represents the insidious allure of sin that leads to spiritual death, but Christ offers abundant life, stating, "[I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly](/john/10-10 "Jesus Gives Abundant Life")". For those who have indeed strayed onto destructive paths and seemingly lost their way, the Gospel offers a miraculous "return." Through Christ's atoning sacrifice and the power of the Holy Spirit, repentance is not only possible but powerfully transformative, allowing individuals to be "[born again](/john/3-3 "Born Again")" and placed back on the path to eternal life, even from the deepest pits of sin. The New Testament affirms that "[where sin abounded, grace did much more abound](/romans/5-20 "Grace Abounds Over Sin")", demonstrating that Christ's redemptive work overcomes the very "impossibility" implied by the proverb's hyperbole, offering hope and a true way back to God for all who believe and turn to Him.

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

Ecclesiastes 7:26

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.

Psalms 81:12

So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: [and] they walked in their own counsels.

Matthew 19:24

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Matthew 19:26

But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Hosea 4:14

I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people [that] doth not understand shall fall.

Jeremiah 13:23

Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? [then] may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.

Proverbs 4:18

But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.