Proverbs 23:28

KJV

She also lieth in wait as [for] a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

KJV (with Strong's)

She also lieth in wait {H693} as for a prey {H2863}, and increaseth {H3254} the transgressors {H898} among men {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She lies in wait to snatch her prey and adds to the number of faithless men.

Berean Standard Bible

Like a robber she lies in wait and multiplies the faithless among men.

American Standard Version

Yea, she lieth in wait as a robber, And increaseth the treacherous among men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:28 serves as a stark warning against the insidious nature of temptation, often personified as the "strange woman" or harlot within the wisdom literature. The verse vividly portrays her as a cunning predator, lying in wait to ensnare unsuspecting victims. Beyond individual ruin, it emphasizes the broader societal decay her influence causes, multiplying those who deviate from righteous paths and betray trust, thereby increasing moral corruption among humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger collection of wisdom sayings and admonitions (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), often referred to as the "Sayings of the Wise." Specifically, it immediately follows [Proverbs 23:27](/proverbs/23-27 "Proverbs 23:27 - The Harlot as a Deep Ditch"), which graphically depicts the harlot as a "deep ditch" and a "narrow pit," underscoring the inescapable danger she represents. The broader context of [Proverbs 23](/proverbs/23 "Proverbs 23 - Warnings Against Folly") includes warnings against various forms of folly such as gluttony, drunkenness, and disrespect for parents, positioning the warning against the "strange woman" as another critical pitfall leading to personal and communal destruction. The "she" of [Proverbs 23:28](/proverbs/23-28 "Proverbs 23:28 - The Predatory Harlot") is a continuation of the personified Folly or the seductive adulteress, a recurring motif throughout the book, particularly prominent in chapters like [Proverbs 7](/proverbs/7 "Proverbs 7 - The Alluring Harlot"), which details her deceptive tactics.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the family unit and lineage were paramount, making sexual purity and fidelity foundational to social order and spiritual well-being. Prostitution and adultery were not merely personal sins but actions that threatened the very fabric of the community, bringing shame upon families and disrupting the divinely ordained covenant relationship. The warnings in Proverbs, therefore, served as critical moral instruction for young men, who were typically the primary audience for such wisdom. The "strange woman" (often a foreign woman or one who acts outside the social norms of fidelity) represented a potent threat to the Israelite man's integrity, his family's honor, and his spiritual walk. Her predatory nature, as described in this verse, reflects the real-world dangers of succumbing to illicit sexual temptation, which could lead to financial ruin, social ostracization, disease, and spiritual death, all of which had tangible, devastating consequences in a tightly-knit community.

* **Key Themes:** [Proverbs 23:28](/proverbs/23-28 "Proverbs 23:28 - The Predatory Harlot") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **predatory nature of temptation**, particularly sexual immorality, which is depicted not as a passive lure but as an active, cunning hunter that "lieth in wait" for its "prey." This emphasizes the deliberate and deceptive strategy employed by folly to ensnare unsuspecting individuals, demanding constant vigilance and discernment. Secondly, the verse underscores the **corrupting and expansive influence of sin**. The "strange woman" does not merely destroy one individual; her actions "increase the transgressors among men," illustrating how personal sin can spread like a contagion, drawing others into similar patterns of wickedness and moral decay. This reveals the communal dimension of sin, where individual choices have ripple effects that multiply unrighteousness within society. Finally, the proverb reinforces the theme of **consequences of folly**, serving as a stern warning that straying from the path of wisdom and righteousness leads not only to personal ruin but also contributes significantly to the moral decline of the broader community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lieth in wait (Hebrew, _ʼârab'_):** This primitive root signifies to lurk, to lie in ambush, or to set a trap. It conveys a sense of deliberate, hidden, and often malicious intent. The "she" (representing the harlot or folly) is not merely available but actively seeks out and plans the downfall of her victims, much like a hunter patiently waiting for its unsuspecting target. This highlights the deceptive and dangerous nature of the temptation she embodies.
* **prey (Hebrew, _chetheph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to snatch" or "to seize," this noun refers to something captured or violently taken, often by a predator. It conveys the idea of rapine or robbery. In this context, it vividly portrays the victim as one who is overwhelmed, caught, and consumed by the "strange woman," emphasizing the destructive and inescapable outcome for those who fall into her snare.
* **increaseth (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** This primitive root means "to add" or "to augment," often with the sense of continuing to do a thing or doing it again. Here, it speaks to the multiplication or exponential growth of something. The "strange woman" does not merely ensnare individuals in isolation; her influence leads to a proliferation of transgression, suggesting a contagious and pervasive spread of moral corruption within the community.
* **transgressors (Hebrew, _bâgad'_):** This term comes from a primitive root meaning "to cover (with a garment)," but figuratively, "to act covertly" or "to pillage." It denotes someone who deals deceitfully, treacherously, or unfaithfully. These are not just those who sin, but those who betray trust, violate covenants, and act perfidiously. The "strange woman" not only causes sin but transforms her victims into individuals characterized by treachery and unfaithfulness, further eroding the moral fabric of society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She also lieth in wait as [for] a prey":** This clause introduces the predatory nature of the "strange woman" or personified folly. The verb "lieth in wait" (ʼârab) immediately establishes a scene of deliberate ambush, suggesting cunning, patience, and a clear intent to capture. The simile "as for a prey" vividly compares her actions to that of a hunter stalking its victim, emphasizing the vulnerability of the unsuspecting and the destructive outcome for those ensnared. It portrays temptation as an active, malevolent force.
* **"and increaseth the transgressors among men":** This second clause reveals the far-reaching and multiplying effect of her destructive influence. The "strange woman" is not merely an individual danger but a catalyst for widespread moral decay. She does not just ensnare one person but causes others to become "transgressors" (bâgad), meaning those who act treacherously, unfaithfully, and deceitfully. This highlights the contagious nature of sin and folly, demonstrating how one source of corruption can lead to a proliferation of unrighteousness within the human community (ʼâdâm), eroding trust and multiplying wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:28 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent warning. The most prominent is **Personification**, where "she" refers to the "strange woman" or harlot, a recurring motif in Proverbs that embodies seductive folly and moral corruption. By attributing human actions like "lying in wait" and "increasing transgressors" to this abstract or archetypal figure, the proverb makes the danger tangible and relatable. A powerful **Simile** is used in "as [for] a prey," comparing the harlot's predatory behavior to that of a hunter, which evokes images of cunning, ambush, and inevitable capture, emphasizing the victim's helplessness once ensnared. Furthermore, the verse uses **Hyperbole** to underscore the widespread impact of her influence, suggesting that she "increaseth the transgressors," implying a significant and potentially exponential rise in moral corruption within society. This exaggeration serves to heighten the sense of alarm and the gravity of the threat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 23:28 profoundly connects to the broader biblical understanding of sin, temptation, and the nature of wisdom versus folly. Theologically, it underscores that sin is not a passive state but an active, deceptive force that seeks to ensnare and destroy. The "strange woman" represents any alluring temptation that promises pleasure but delivers ruin, echoing the serpent's deception in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity"). The verse also highlights the communal dimension of sin; individual transgression has a ripple effect, multiplying wickedness and eroding the moral fabric of society, a concept seen throughout prophetic literature regarding Israel's unfaithfulness. The call to wisdom in Proverbs is implicitly a call to discernment and vigilance against such predatory forces, recognizing that true life and blessing are found in adherence to God's path, not in succumbing to the deceptive lures of sin.

* [Proverbs 5:3-6](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3-6 - The Bitter End of the Adulteress")
* [Proverbs 7:21-27](/proverbs/7-21 "Proverbs 7:21-27 - The Fatal End of the Seductress's Prey")
* [Romans 6:16](/romans/6-16 "Romans 6:16 - Slaves to Righteousness or Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:28 offers a timeless and urgent call for spiritual vigilance in a world filled with alluring temptations. It compels us to recognize that sin, in its various forms, is not merely a passive option but an active, predatory force that "lieth in wait" to ensnare. This understanding should cultivate a healthy sense of caution and discernment, prompting us to examine the subtle ways in which destructive influences might seek to ambush our integrity, relationships, and faith. Beyond personal vulnerability, the verse reminds us of the profound ripple effect of our choices; succumbing to folly not only harms us but can also "increase the transgressors," drawing others into similar patterns of unfaithfulness and moral compromise. Therefore, guarding our hearts and minds becomes a communal responsibility, as our pursuit of righteousness contributes to the moral health of those around us. This proverb challenges us to actively pursue wisdom, to cultivate a robust spiritual defense, and to live in a manner that builds up, rather than tears down, the community of faith and humanity at large.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might temptation "lie in wait" for me in my daily life, and how can I better discern its traps?**
* **How do my personal choices, even seemingly private ones, have the potential to "increase transgressors" or influence others towards unrighteousness?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "guard my heart" (Proverbs 4:23) against the predatory nature of sin and folly?**
* **How does this proverb encourage me to be more proactive in pursuing wisdom and righteousness, not just for my own sake, but for the sake of others?**

### FAQ
**Who is "she" in Proverbs 23:28, and what does she represent?**

Answer: In Proverbs, "she" most immediately refers to the "strange woman," often depicted as a harlot or adulteress. However, in the broader wisdom tradition, she serves as a powerful personification of Folly itself—the antithesis of divine Wisdom. She represents any seductive temptation that leads one away from God's path, whether it be sexual immorality, greed, idleness, or any form of spiritual compromise. Her allure promises pleasure and freedom but ultimately delivers ruin, betrayal, and death, contrasting sharply with the life-giving path of Lady Wisdom (e.g., [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - The Call of Wisdom")).

**How does sin "increase the transgressors among men"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the contagious and multiplying nature of sin. When individuals succumb to temptation, their actions can normalize or even promote unrighteousness in their community. This can happen through direct influence, where one person's sin leads others to follow suit; through the erosion of moral standards, making it easier for others to justify their own transgressions; or through the breakdown of trust and order, creating an environment where more people act deceitfully or unfaithfully. Just as righteousness can be contagious, so too can folly spread, leading to a proliferation of those who betray divine and human trust. The consequences are not isolated but extend to the broader human community, as indicated by the word "men" (ʼâdâm, referring to humanity).

**What is the practical relevance of this proverb for believers today?**

Answer: Proverbs 23:28 remains profoundly relevant, serving as a timeless warning to exercise extreme vigilance against all forms of temptation. It calls believers to recognize that sin is not a passive entity but an active, cunning adversary that seeks to ambush and destroy. This requires cultivating discernment, guarding one's heart, and understanding the subtle lures of the world. Furthermore, it reminds us that our personal choices have communal implications; our yielding to sin can create a pathway for others to stumble, while our commitment to righteousness can build up the moral and spiritual health of our communities. It is a call to live wisely, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of the Kingdom and those around us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:28, with its stark warning against the predatory nature of sin personified by the "strange woman," finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Jesus Christ. The proverb reveals humanity's inherent vulnerability to deception and the pervasive power of sin to ensnare and multiply transgression. Before Christ, humanity was indeed "sold under sin" ([Romans 7:14](/romans/7-14 "Romans 7:14 - Enslaved to Sin")), caught in a snare from which there was no escape, constantly increasing the ranks of transgressors. However, Jesus Christ enters this narrative as the embodiment of divine Wisdom, the ultimate antithesis to the destructive folly described in Proverbs. He is the one who came "to set the captives free" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")) and to deliver us from the power of sin. Through His atoning sacrifice, He disarms the power of temptation and breaks the chains of sin that once held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Where the "strange woman" leads to death and increases transgression, Christ offers abundant life and empowers us to live in righteousness. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), providing the wisdom, strength, and deliverance necessary to resist the snares of folly and to become agents of righteousness rather than contributors to transgression, thereby fulfilling the deepest longing for freedom expressed in the Proverb's warning.

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.

Proverbs 7:12

Now [is she] without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

Hosea 4:11

Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.

1 Corinthians 10:8

Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

Proverbs 22:14

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

Jeremiah 3:2

Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness.

Proverbs 2:16

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