Proverbs 5:17

Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.

Let them be only thine own, and not strangers ^{H2114}' with thee.

but let them be for you alone and not for strangers with you.

Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.

Let them be for thyself alone, And not for strangers with thee.

Context

Proverbs 5:17 is part of a larger discourse (Proverbs 5:1-23) where a father passionately warns his son against the seductive dangers of sexual immorality, specifically focusing on the adulteress and illicit relationships. The preceding verses, Proverbs 5:15-16, metaphorically encourage the son to "drink waters out of thine own cistern" and "fountains," which symbolize finding sexual satisfaction and joy exclusively within his own marriage. Verse 17 directly builds on this, emphasizing the exclusivity of these intimate blessings.

Key Themes

Marital Exclusivity: The primary message is the sacred and exclusive nature of sexual intimacy within the covenant of marriage. "Let them be only thine own" underscores that these delights are reserved solely for one's spouse.
Fidelity and Purity: The verse is a strong call for marital faithfulness and sexual purity, guarding against any form of adultery or illicit union. It promotes the idea that true satisfaction comes from a committed, monogamous relationship.
Protection from Consequences: By adhering to this principle of exclusivity, one avoids the devastating physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial consequences of sexual sin, which are vividly described later in the chapter (e.g., Proverbs 5:22-23).

Linguistic Insights

The pronoun "them" in this verse directly refers back to the "waters" and "fountains" mentioned in Proverbs 5:15-16. These are rich metaphors for the refreshing, life-giving pleasures and blessings found within the marital relationship, particularly sexual intimacy. The word "strangers" (Hebrew: zarim) refers to those outside of one's marriage—illicit partners, prostitutes, or anyone with whom one would engage in sexual relations outside of the marital bond. The KJV's phrasing "not strangers' with thee" powerfully conveys the idea of not sharing this sacred intimacy with anyone else.

Practical Application

Proverbs 5:17 remains incredibly relevant today, offering timeless wisdom for building strong, healthy relationships. It encourages individuals to:

Cherish Marital Intimacy: Actively cultivate and find joy and satisfaction within the sexual and emotional bond with one's spouse. This helps prevent the temptation to seek fulfillment elsewhere.
Uphold Marital Boundaries: Recognize and respect the sacred boundaries of marriage, understanding that intimacy is a gift to be shared exclusively with one's husband or wife. This principle is a cornerstone of the honor of marriage and the marriage bed.
Guard Against Temptation: The verse serves as a powerful reminder to guard one's heart and mind against the allure of infidelity, understanding that true wisdom leads to faithfulness and enduring blessings within one's own home.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

No cross-references found for this verse.