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.
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.
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
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: