Proverbs 23:35

KJV

They have stricken me, [shalt thou say, and] I was not sick; they have beaten me, [and] I felt [it] not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

KJV (with Strong's)

They have stricken {H5221} me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick {H2470}; they have beaten {H1986} me, and I felt {H3045} it not: when shall I awake {H6974}? I will seek {H1245} it yet {H3254} again.

Complete Jewish Bible

"They hit me, but I didn't feel it! They beat me up, and I didn't even know it! When will I wake up? . . . I'll go get another drink."

Berean Standard Bible

“They struck me, but I feel no pain! They beat me, but I did not know it! When can I wake up to search for another drink?”

American Standard Version

They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not hurt; They have beaten me, and I felt it not: When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:35 offers a chilling depiction of the profound insensitivity and destructive resolve of one consumed by intoxication. The verse portrays a person who has endured physical violence ("stricken," "beaten") yet remains oblivious to the pain and injury, unable to discern their own suffering. Far from seeking repentance or recovery, this individual's only desire upon regaining a fleeting awareness is to return to the very substance that caused their degradation, revealing the powerful, enslaving grip of addiction and the tragic cycle of self-destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 23:35 serves as the climactic and sobering conclusion to a sustained warning against the dangers of excessive wine consumption, which commences in [Proverbs 23:29](/proverbs/23-29 "Proverbs 23:29 - The Woes of Wine"). The preceding verses meticulously catalog the physical, emotional, and social woes associated with drunkenness: "Woe! Sorrow! Strife! Complaints! Needless bruises! Bloodshot eyes!" ([Proverbs 23:29](/proverbs/23-29 "Proverbs 23:29 - The Woes of Wine")). The passage then vividly describes the deceptive allure of wine's appearance and its ultimate, serpent-like bite ([Proverbs 23:31-32](/proverbs/23-31 "Proverbs 23:31-32 - The Serpent's Bite of Wine")). The immediate verses ([Proverbs 23:33-34](/proverbs/23-33 "Proverbs 23:33-34 - The Drunkard's Delusions")) detail the drunkard's distorted perceptions, slurred speech, and precarious instability, leading directly to the ultimate state of oblivion and renewed craving presented in verse 35. This entire section functions as a stark contrast to the wisdom and self-control advocated throughout the book of Proverbs, particularly in chapters dealing with personal discipline and righteous living.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wine was a common beverage, often diluted with water, and its moderate consumption was not forbidden (e.g., [Psalm 104:15](/psalm/104-15 "Psalm 104:15 - Wine to Gladden the Heart")). However, the Old Testament consistently warns against drunkenness, associating it with foolishness, poverty, and moral decay (e.g., [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a Mocker"), [Isaiah 5:11-12](/isaiah/5-11 "Isaiah 5:11-12 - Woe to Drunkards")). The imagery of being "stricken" and "beaten" would have been readily understood in a society where physical altercations, often fueled by intoxication, were not uncommon. The public display of such a state would have brought significant shame and dishonor, undermining the societal value placed on self-control and wisdom. The setting is likely a public place, perhaps a tavern or a gathering, where the drunkard's behavior leads to external consequences, yet their internal state is one of profound detachment from reality.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 23:35 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Primarily, it underscores **the deceptive and destructive nature of sin**, particularly the sin of gluttony and drunkenness. It illustrates how sin, initially alluring, ultimately leads to a loss of self-awareness, dignity, and control, culminating in a state of spiritual and physical stupor. This verse highlights the theme of **addiction and enslavement**, demonstrating how a destructive habit can override reason, self-preservation, and the recognition of harm. The drunkard's immediate desire to "seek it yet again" even after suffering illustrates the powerful grip of bondage to sin, a concept echoed in the New Testament (e.g., [Romans 6:16](/romans/6-16 "Romans 6:16 - Slaves to Sin or Righteousness")). Furthermore, the verse implicitly emphasizes the importance of **discernment and self-control**, virtues repeatedly championed in Proverbs as essential for a flourishing life. The drunkard's inability to "feel" or "awake" serves as a stark warning against anything that dulls one's senses or impairs judgment, hindering the pursuit of wisdom and righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beaten (Hebrew, _hâlam'_):** This primitive root signifies "to strike down," "to hammer," or "to smite with the hammer." It implies a forceful, repeated, and often violent physical assault. In the context of Proverbs 23:35, it vividly portrays the physical abuse or injury sustained by the drunkard, emphasizing the severity of the blows received, whether from others in a brawl or from falling due to impaired coordination.
* **Felt (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to know," "to ascertain by seeing," or "to perceive." It encompasses a wide range of understanding, including observation, recognition, and awareness. The negation "I felt it not" (literally "I did not know it") powerfully conveys the drunkard's complete lack of sensory perception, cognitive awareness, and memory regarding the physical harm inflicted upon them. Their mind is so clouded that the most basic sensation of pain is absent.
* **Seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_), Yet Again (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** _Bâqash_ is a primitive root meaning "to search out," "to strive after," "to desire," or "to request." It implies an active, intentional pursuit. _Yâçaph_ is a primitive root meaning "to add or augment," often used adverbially to mean "to continue to do a thing," "again," or "any more." When combined, "I will seek it yet again" reveals a terrifying resolve. Despite the physical consequences and stupor, the drunkard's first conscious thought is not repentance or recovery, but an unyielding, persistent desire to return to the very source of their destruction. This highlights the compulsive, repetitive nature of addiction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have stricken me, [shalt thou say, and] I was not sick;":** This clause describes the initial physical assault or injury the drunkard has endured. The phrase "shalt thou say" indicates this is the drunkard's own confused and detached recounting of events. The shocking declaration "I was not sick" (or "I was not hurt/afflicted") reveals a profound state of insensitivity and denial. The physical trauma, which would normally elicit pain and a sense of illness, registers as nothing to the intoxicated mind, demonstrating a complete disconnect from reality and bodily sensation.
* **"they have beaten me, [and] I felt [it] not:":** This second parallel clause reinforces the first, escalating the imagery of violence. "Beaten" suggests repeated, forceful blows. The accompanying "I felt it not" further emphasizes the utter lack of awareness and perception. The drunkard's senses are so dulled by alcohol that even severe physical abuse goes unnoticed, illustrating the extreme impairment of judgment and sensation. This state of oblivion is a direct consequence of their indulgence.
* **"when shall I awake?":** This is a rhetorical question, expressing a lament or impatient desire for the stupor to end. It is not a cry for deliverance from addiction or a realization of the destructive path. Instead, it is merely a wish to emerge from temporary unconsciousness, implying a desire to resume their activities, rather than to escape the cycle. It highlights the temporary nature of their incapacitation, but not a desire for true change.
* **"I will seek it yet again.":** This final, chilling declaration is the most potent part of the verse. Immediately upon the thought of awakening, the drunkard expresses an unyielding resolve to return to the very substance that caused their physical harm, mental stupor, and social degradation. This phrase powerfully illustrates the compulsive nature of addiction, where the craving for the substance overrides all reason, self-preservation, and the recognition of past suffering. It demonstrates the enslaving power of sin.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:35 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The entire verse functions as a dramatic **monologue** or **soliloquy**, giving voice to the drunkard's confused and self-deceptive thoughts, making the warning more immediate and personal. The use of **parallelism** in the first two clauses ("They have stricken me... I was not sick; they have beaten me... I felt it not") emphasizes the profound insensitivity and lack of awareness, reinforcing the same tragic reality through slightly different phrasing. The **rhetorical question** "When shall I awake?" is not a genuine inquiry but a lament of impatience, highlighting the temporary nature of their stupor without any true desire for change. Finally, the concluding statement, "I will seek it yet again," is a stark example of **irony** and **pathos**. It is ironic that after such suffering, the only desire is for more of the cause of that suffering. It evokes pathos, or pity, for the individual trapped in such a destructive cycle, devoid of reason and self-preservation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 23:35 is a profound theological statement on the nature of sin and its enslaving power. It reveals how sin, particularly when indulged to excess, dulls the conscience, distorts perception, and ultimately binds the individual in a cycle of self-destruction. The drunkard's inability to "feel" or "know" the harm inflicted upon them is a spiritual metaphor for the hardening effect of sin on the heart, rendering one insensitive to divine warnings, the consequences of their actions, and even their own spiritual peril. The chilling resolve to "seek it yet again" underscores the biblical truth that habitual sin leads to spiritual bondage, where the will becomes so corrupted that it actively desires the very thing that destroys it. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for repentance and deliverance from the dominion of sin, emphasizing that true freedom comes only through a radical change of heart and submission to God's wisdom.

* [John 8:34](/john/8-34 "John 8:34 - Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.")
* [Romans 6:12](/romans/6-12 "Romans 6:12 - Do not let sin reign in your mortal body.")
* [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:35 is not merely an ancient warning about alcohol; it is a timeless mirror reflecting the human condition when enslaved by any destructive habit or sin. It challenges us to examine areas in our own lives where we might be "stricken" or "beaten" by consequences, yet remain oblivious or, worse, resolved to continue the destructive pattern. This verse calls for radical honesty about our dependencies, whether they be substances, behaviors, or even unhealthy thought patterns. It implores us to consider whether we are truly "awake" to the spiritual and physical harm we may be inflicting upon ourselves or allowing others to inflict, or if we are in a state of self-imposed stupor. The ultimate application is a call to self-awareness, repentance, and a conscious turning away from anything that dulls our spiritual senses or binds our will, embracing instead the freedom and clarity that come from living in accordance with God's wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "unaware" or "insensitive" to the consequences of my choices, much like the drunkard in this verse?**
* **What "things" do I find myself seeking "yet again" even when they bring negative consequences or distract me from God's will?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of freedom and bondage in relation to sin and self-control?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate greater self-awareness and spiritual sensitivity to avoid falling into such destructive cycles?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary message of Proverbs 23:35?**

Answer: The primary message of Proverbs 23:35 is a stark warning about the profound insensitivity, self-deception, and enslaving power of addiction, particularly to alcohol. It illustrates how excessive indulgence leads to a state where one is oblivious to harm and, even after suffering, remains determined to continue the destructive behavior. It highlights the dangerous cycle of sin and the loss of rational judgment.

**Does this verse only apply to alcohol consumption?**

Answer: While the immediate context of [Proverbs 23:29-35](/proverbs/23-29 "Proverbs 23:29-35 - Warning Against Drunkenness") specifically addresses wine, the principles illustrated in Proverbs 23:35 are broadly applicable to any form of destructive addiction or habitual sin. The psychological and spiritual dynamics—loss of awareness, denial of harm, and the compulsive desire to repeat the behavior—are universal characteristics of bondage to sin, whether it's gluttony, gambling, pornography, anger, or any other destructive pattern that dulls one's senses and enslaves the will. The verse serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual stupor that can result from any unrepentant sin.

**What does "When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again" reveal about addiction?**

Answer: This phrase profoundly reveals the nature of addiction as a powerful, irrational compulsion. "When shall I awake?" indicates a temporary, unwelcome interruption to the intoxicated state, not a desire for true sobriety or change. The immediate follow-up, "I will seek it yet again," demonstrates that even the experience of pain and humiliation does not break the cycle. Instead, the craving for the substance or behavior overrides all reason, self-preservation, and memory of suffering. It illustrates the deep spiritual and psychological bondage where the will is enslaved, actively desiring the very thing that causes its destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:35, with its chilling portrayal of a drunkard enslaved by stupor and destructive desire, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus. The verse vividly illustrates humanity's fallen state: "stricken" and "beaten" by sin's consequences, yet often "not sick" or "not feeling" the true spiritual malady, remaining oblivious to our desperate need for salvation. Like the drunkard, humanity, apart from Christ, is caught in a cycle of seeking "it yet again"—the fleeting pleasures and false comforts of sin—even when they lead to spiritual death and alienation from God. This profound spiritual insensitivity and bondage are precisely what Jesus came to address. He is the one who "awakes" us from our spiritual slumber, as Paul urges believers to "awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" ([Ephesians 5:14](/ephesians/5-14 "Ephesians 5:14 - Awake, O Sleeper")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ breaks the chains of sin's addiction, offering true freedom from the dominion of destructive desires ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6-7 - Freed from Sin")). He doesn't just numb the pain; He heals the wound and transforms the will, enabling us to "put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires" and "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put on the New Self")). The drunkard's lament, "When shall I awake?", finds its answer in the Gospel, where Christ offers not just temporary awakening, but eternal life and a renewed mind, empowering us to truly "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")).

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

Jeremiah 5:3

O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

Isaiah 56:12

Come ye, [say they], I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, [and] much more abundant.

Proverbs 27:22

¶ Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, [yet] will not his foolishness depart from him.

Proverbs 26:11

¶ As a dog returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly.

1 Corinthians 15:32

If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

1 Corinthians 15:34

Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak [this] to your shame.

Ephesians 4:19

Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.