Proverbs 23:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:27 issues a stark and vivid warning against the dangers of sexual immorality, likening the enticing "whore" or "strange woman" to a treacherous, inescapable trap. Through powerful metaphorical language, the proverb underscores the profound peril and devastating consequences of succumbing to illicit sexual desires, emphasizing that what appears alluring on the surface is, in reality, a deep and confining pit from which escape is exceedingly difficult. It serves as a potent call to discretion, self-control, and purity, highlighting the ruinous end of those who fall prey to such temptations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Proverbs (chapters 22-24) often referred to as "the words of the wise," a collection of practical wisdom, moral instructions, and ethical admonitions for daily living. Immediately preceding this verse, the text warns against the dangers of drunkenness and gluttony, emphasizing the importance of self-control and wise choices regarding bodily appetites and social interactions. The theme of the "strange woman" or "adulteress" is a recurring and prominent motif throughout the book of Proverbs, appearing as a significant threat to the young man's path of wisdom and righteousness. This particular proverb functions as a direct and graphic metaphor, intensifying the warning by portraying the adulteress not merely as a temptation but as an active, deadly snare.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, a patriarchal structure placed a high value on family honor, lineage, and the sanctity of marriage. Adultery was a grave offense, often punishable by death, as it threatened the social fabric, property rights, and the purity of the family line. The "strange woman" (Hebrew: _nokrîy_) could refer to a foreign woman, but more broadly, it denotes someone outside the covenant community's moral and ethical boundaries—one whose ways are contrary to divine wisdom and the established social order. Such women often operated outside the protective structures of family and community, making them dangerous. The imagery of "deep ditches" and "narrow pits" draws on common ancient experiences: pits were used for trapping animals, for storing water (wells), or as dungeons, all of which could be places of confinement, danger, or death.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 23:27 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book. The most prominent is **The Destructive Nature of Immorality**, particularly sexual sin. The "deep ditch" and "narrow pit" imagery unequivocally conveys not just inconvenience, but entrapment, severe difficulty, and ultimate destruction, emphasizing the profound danger and ruin associated with illicit sexual relationships. This leads to the theme of **Entrapment and Inescapability**: the metaphors highlight that once one falls into the snare of the adulteress, escape is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, underscoring the insidious nature of such sin, where initial allure quickly gives way to a confining and destructive reality. Implicit in this stark warning is a **Call to Wisdom and Discretion**, urging individuals, especially young men, to exercise self-control and discernment to avoid these moral pitfalls. Proverbs consistently urges readers to choose the path of righteousness and wisdom over folly and sin, as seen in the foundational principle that [wisdom is the principal thing](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing"). This verse serves as a vivid illustration of the folly that wisdom seeks to prevent.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **whore (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** This primitive root describes someone who is "highly-fed and therefore wanton," primarily referring to a female who commits adultery or fornication. Figuratively, it is also used to describe idolatry, portraying the Jewish people as unfaithful to Jehovah, their divine spouse. The term encapsulates both literal sexual promiscuity and spiritual unfaithfulness, signifying a departure from covenant loyalty and moral purity.
* **strange woman (Hebrew, _nokrîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "strange," this term describes someone foreign, non-relative, or adulterous. It implies a person whose ways, principles, or identity are outside the familiar, established, or covenantal norms. In this context, it refers to an adulteress or harlot, emphasizing her alienation from the community's moral standards and her dangerous, disruptive influence.
* **narrow (Hebrew, _tsar'_):** This word signifies something constricted, tight, or difficult. As a noun, it can refer to a "tight place," often used figuratively to denote trouble, anguish, or distress. When applied to the "pit," it intensifies the imagery of inescapable confinement and severe difficulty, suggesting that once ensnared, there is little room for maneuver or escape, leading to a state of profound distress and ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For a whore [is] a deep ditch":** This clause introduces the first metaphor, likening a promiscuous woman to a "deep ditch." A ditch, or pit (Hebrew: _shûwchâh_), was often a hidden trap, dug to ensnare animals or enemies. The adjective "deep" (Hebrew: _ʻâmôq_) emphasizes the difficulty of escape once one has fallen in. This imagery conveys that the allure of the harlot is deceptive; what seems like an easy path to pleasure is, in reality, a perilous, concealed trap designed for destruction, from which extrication is arduous and unlikely.
* **"and a strange woman [is] a narrow pit":** The second clause employs a parallel metaphor, equating the "strange woman" (an adulteress or one outside the moral boundaries) with a "narrow pit" (Hebrew: _bᵉʼêr_). A pit, particularly a well, could be a place of confinement or death. The addition of "narrow" (Hebrew: _tsar_) intensifies the sense of entrapment and inescapable doom. This suggests that the consequences of engaging with such a woman are not merely difficult but confining and suffocating, leading to a state of severe distress and spiritual or physical death, with no easy way out.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:27 is rich in literary devices that amplify its warning. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where the "whore" is directly equated to a "deep ditch" and the "strange woman" to a "narrow pit." These comparisons are not merely illustrative but assert an identity between the temptress and the trap, emphasizing that the woman herself embodies the danger and destructive power. This verse also employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, where the second line reiterates and intensifies the thought of the first line using different but related terms ("whore" / "strange woman"; "deep ditch" / "narrow pit"). This repetition reinforces the message and deepens its impact. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the vividness of the imagery. While the consequences of sexual sin are indeed severe, describing them as an inescapable "deep ditch" and "narrow pit" uses exaggerated language to underscore the extreme danger and the near-impossibility of recovery once ensnared, thereby impressing upon the reader the gravity of the warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 23:27 powerfully underscores the biblical emphasis on sexual purity and covenant faithfulness. The "whore" and "strange woman" represent not only literal sexual temptation but also a broader spiritual unfaithfulness, echoing the prophetic imagery where idolatry is depicted as spiritual whoredom against God, the divine Husband. This verse highlights that sin, particularly sexual sin, is not a trivial matter but a deceptive snare that leads to profound spiritual, emotional, relational, and often physical ruin. It speaks to the insidious nature of temptation, where initial allure gives way to a confining and destructive reality, reinforcing the truth that the path of folly inevitably leads to death and separation from the life-giving wisdom of God.

* [Proverbs 2:16-19](/proverbs/2-16 "Proverbs 2:16-19 - Warning against the Strange Woman's Path to Death")
* [Proverbs 5:3-5](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3-5 - The Allure and Bitter End of the Adulteress")
* [Proverbs 7:26-27](/proverbs/7-26 "Proverbs 7:26-27 - The Destructive Power of the Adulteress")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a contemporary world saturated with sexualized media and often permissive cultural norms, the ancient warning of Proverbs 23:27 remains profoundly relevant and urgent. This verse serves as a stark reminder that what may appear as a fleeting pleasure, an exciting diversion, or a harmless indulgence is, in reality, a perilous trap designed for destruction. It calls believers to a radical vigilance over their hearts and minds, recognizing that the insidious nature of sexual temptation can quickly lead to spiritual, emotional, relational, and even physical ruin. To avoid falling into these "deep ditches" and "narrow pits," we are called to prioritize purity, uphold God's design for sexual intimacy within the sanctity of marriage, and cultivate discernment to recognize the long-term, devastating consequences hidden beneath the surface of immediate gratification. This proverb urges us to choose the path of wisdom and purity, thereby avoiding the moral compromises that lead to confinement and despair, and instead embracing the freedom and blessing found in obedience to God's life-giving Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of a "deep ditch" and "narrow pit" challenge my perception of sexual sin as merely a minor transgression?**
* **In what ways does contemporary culture normalize or glamorize behaviors that Proverbs identifies as "deep ditches" or "narrow pits"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "guard my heart" against the subtle and overt temptations of sexual immorality in my daily life?**
* **How does understanding the long-term consequences of sin, as depicted in this verse, strengthen my resolve to pursue purity and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "strange woman" mentioned in Proverbs 23:27?**

Answer: The "strange woman" (Hebrew: _nokrîy_) in Proverbs is primarily an adulteress or harlot, someone who operates outside the moral and covenantal boundaries of Israelite society. While the term can literally refer to a foreign woman, its deeper meaning in Proverbs often signifies someone whose ways are "strange" or alien to God's wisdom and established order. She represents a seductive force that draws individuals away from the path of righteousness, leading them into destructive relationships and spiritual unfaithfulness. She embodies folly, in contrast to the personified Wisdom found throughout the book, and her path leads to death and ruin, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 7:6-27](/proverbs/7-6 "Proverbs 7:6-27 - The Seduction of the Foolish Young Man").

**Why does the proverb use such strong and vivid imagery like "deep ditch" and "narrow pit"?**

Answer: The strong imagery of a "deep ditch" and "narrow pit" is used to convey the extreme danger and inescapable consequences of sexual immorality. These metaphors are not merely descriptive but are intended to evoke a visceral sense of dread and entrapment. A "deep ditch" suggests a hidden, unexpected trap from which escape is difficult, while a "narrow pit" implies a confining, suffocating space of no return. This vivid language underscores the severity of the sin, highlighting that what might appear alluring or pleasurable on the surface is, in reality, a deadly snare that leads to profound ruin, spiritual death, and a loss of freedom, emphasizing the urgency of the warning.

**Is this proverb only about literal sexual sin, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While Proverbs 23:27 directly addresses literal sexual sin, its implications extend beyond the physical act. In biblical theology, particularly in the prophetic books, spiritual unfaithfulness to God (idolatry) is often depicted using the metaphor of whoredom or adultery (e.g., [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - The Adultery of Jerusalem")). Therefore, the "strange woman" can also represent any temptation or ideology that lures one away from single-hearted devotion to God. Just as literal sexual sin can entrap and destroy, so too can spiritual idolatry or the pursuit of worldly pleasures and values lead one into a "deep ditch" of spiritual bondage and separation from God's life-giving presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:27, with its stark warning against the "deep ditch" and "narrow pit" of sexual immorality, finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine wisdom, offering the true path of life that avoids such destructive snares. While the Old Testament law condemned adultery and fornication, Jesus deepened the understanding of purity, declaring that lustful thoughts themselves constitute adultery of the heart, as revealed in [Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Matthew 5:28 - Lust as Adultery of the Heart"). He did not merely warn against the pit but provided the means of escape and the power to live a life of purity. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ redeems those ensnared by sin, offering forgiveness and freedom from the power of temptation. The Holy Spirit, given to believers, empowers them to overcome the desires of the flesh, enabling them to walk in newness of life and to resist the allure of the "strange woman" or any form of spiritual unfaithfulness ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Living by the Spirit")). Furthermore, Christ's relationship with the Church, His pure and spotless bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")), stands in stark contrast to the unfaithfulness depicted in Proverbs, calling believers to a life of singular devotion and purity, anticipating the ultimate marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, Christ is not only the warning against the pit but also the Way, the Truth, and the Life who leads us out of all pits of sin and into eternal communion with God.

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.