Proverbs 5:19

KJV

[Let her be as] the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let her be as the loving {H158} hind {H365} and pleasant {H2580} roe {H3280}; let her breasts {H1717} satisfy {H7301} thee at all times {H6256}; and be thou ravished {H7686} always {H8548} with her love {H160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

a lovely deer, a graceful fawn; let her breasts satisfy you at all times, always be infatuated with her love.

Berean Standard Bible

A loving doe, a graceful fawn— may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever.

American Standard Version

Asa loving hind and a pleasant doe, Let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; And be thou ravished always with her love.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 5:19, a potent and poetic instruction from a father to his son, serves as a profound affirmation of marital intimacy and fidelity. Following stark warnings against the destructive path of sexual immorality, this verse pivots to present the blessed alternative: finding complete satisfaction, delight, and lifelong captivation within the covenant of marriage. It beautifully employs natural imagery to describe the ideal wife and the enduring joy a husband should find in her, thereby safeguarding him from the allure of illicit relationships and guiding him toward a life of purity and lasting contentment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a larger discourse in [Proverbs 5](/proverbs/5 "Proverbs 5 - Warnings Against Adultery"), which extends into [Proverbs 6](/proverbs/6 "Proverbs 6 - Warnings Against Various Sins") and [Proverbs 7](/proverbs/7 "Proverbs 7 - The Allure of the Adulteress"), where a father earnestly warns his son against the "strange woman" or adulteress. The preceding verses ([Proverbs 5:1-14](/proverbs/5-1-14 "Proverbs 5:1-14 - The Perils of Adultery")) vividly detail the allure, deceit, and ultimately bitter consequences—including physical decay, financial ruin, and spiritual shame—of illicit sexual relationships. The father implores his son to heed his words of wisdom, which are designed to protect him from these snares. [Proverbs 5:15-18](/proverbs/5-15-18 "Proverbs 5:15-18 - Drink from Your Own Cistern") then introduce the positive counter-command, urging the son to "drink waters from his own cistern" and find satisfaction exclusively with his own wife, setting the stage for the poetic affirmation of marital intimacy found in [Proverbs 5:19-20](/proverbs/5-19-20 "Proverbs 5:19-20 - Delight in Your Wife"). This structural shift from warning to positive exhortation emphasizes that true protection lies not merely in avoiding evil, but in embracing the good.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, marriage was the foundational unit of society, crucial for lineage, inheritance, and social order. Adultery was a grave offense, often punishable by death, as it threatened the very fabric of the community and violated sacred covenantal bonds (cf. [Deuteronomy 22:22](/deuteronomy/22-22 "Deuteronomy 22:22 - Punishment for Adultery")). The wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, reflects a patriarchal society where the father's instruction was paramount in guiding the son toward a righteous and prosperous life. The imagery of the "hind" and "roe" would have been readily understood as symbols of grace, beauty, and tender affection in the ancient Near East, often associated with love poetry, as seen in the [Song of Solomon](/song_of_solomon/2-7 "Song of Solomon 2:7 - Lovers' Delight, Gazelles and Does"). This imagery was not merely aesthetic but conveyed qualities of desirability, gentleness, and fidelity. The emphasis on satisfaction within marriage was not merely a moral injunction but a practical safeguard against the societal and personal devastation wrought by sexual promiscuity, ensuring the stability and well-being of the family and community.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 5:19 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader book of Proverbs. Firstly, it champions **Marital Fidelity and Joy**, portraying exclusive devotion within marriage as a source of profound, enduring satisfaction and delight, directly contrasting it with the fleeting pleasures and bitter end of illicit affairs (cf. [Proverbs 5:3-5](/proverbs/5-3-5 "Proverbs 5:3-5 - The Deceit of the Adulteress")). Secondly, it openly affirms **Wholesome Intimacy** within the marital bond, encompassing both physical and emotional aspects. The verse's frank language about physical satisfaction ("let her breasts satisfy thee") alongside emotional captivation ("be thou ravished always with her love") underscores God's design for comprehensive and unreserved intimacy in marriage. This theme serves as a powerful **Protection from Immorality**, implicitly arguing that a deeply satisfying marital relationship is the most effective antidote to external temptations, a principle echoed in the New Testament (e.g., [1 Corinthians 7:2-5](/1_corinthians/7-2-5 "1 Corinthians 7:2-5 - Marital Duties")). Finally, the verse exemplifies **Wisdom's Counsel for Life**, guiding individuals toward a life of purity, integrity, and lasting happiness, contrasting it sharply with the sorrow, regret, and ruin that inevitably accompany sin, as described throughout [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **satisfy (Hebrew, _râvâh'_):** from H7301, a primitive root; to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites); bathe, make drunk, (take the) fill, satiate, (abundantly) satisfy, soak, water (abundantly). This term conveys a sense of complete fulfillment and deep contentment, suggesting that the husband's desires should be fully met within the marital relationship, leaving no room for wandering. It implies a profound, ongoing satiation of physical and emotional needs.
* **ravished (Hebrew, _shâgâh'_):** from H7686, a primitive root; to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication) to reel, (figuratively) be enraptured. While the root can imply straying or error, in this context, it is used positively to mean being utterly captivated, enthralled, or intoxicated with love. It suggests an overwhelming and delightful absorption in one's wife that prevents the heart from wandering and keeps one's affections focused.
* **love (Hebrew, _ʼahăbâh'_):** from H160, feminine of אַהַב and meaning the same; {affection (in a good or a bad sense)}; love. This noun reinforces the emotional and relational aspect, referring to the deep, passionate affection that should bind husband and wife. In this context, it signifies a profound, positive, and enduring emotional bond that is the source of the husband's captivation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe":** This opening clause employs beautiful animal imagery to describe the ideal wife. The "hind" (female deer) and "roe" (female ibex) are known for their grace, beauty, agility, and gentle nature. This metaphor suggests a wife who is not only physically attractive but also possesses a charming, tender, and delightful disposition that continually draws her husband's affection. It sets a tone of admiration and cherishment, inviting the husband to see his wife as a source of constant delight and graceful companionship.
* **"let her breasts satisfy thee at all times":** This clause speaks directly and unreservedly about the physical intimacy within marriage. The word "satisfy" (Hebrew: _râvâh_) implies a complete slaking of thirst or a thorough satiation, indicating that the husband's physical desires should be fully and continually met within the marital bond. The phrase "at all times" (Hebrew: _ʻêth_) emphasizes an ongoing, consistent fulfillment, highlighting that marital intimacy is a continuous source of pleasure and contentment, not a fleeting or occasional experience. It is a divine provision for comprehensive physical satisfaction within the covenant.
* **"and be thou ravished always with her love":** This concluding clause expands beyond the physical to encompass the emotional and relational depth of marital love. To be "ravished" (Hebrew: _shâgâh_) implies being utterly captivated, enthralled, or intoxicated by her love. The word "always" (Hebrew: _tâmîyd_) reinforces the perpetual and enduring nature of this enthrallment. It suggests a love that is not merely physical but deeply emotional and passionate, continually drawing the husband's heart and mind, preventing him from straying and ensuring a lifelong, delightful absorption in his wife. This is a call to a profound, all-consuming affection that guards the heart.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 5:19 is rich with literary artistry, enhancing its persuasive power and conveying its message with vivid imagery. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, where the wife is compared to a "loving hind and pleasant roe." These animals symbolize grace, beauty, agility, and tender affection, imbuing the wife with these desirable qualities and suggesting that her presence should be a source of constant delight and charm. This imagery evokes a sense of natural beauty and gentle allure that captivates the husband. Furthermore, the phrase "be thou ravished always with her love" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the intensity and pervasiveness of the desired marital affection. While literal intoxication is not implied, the language of being "ravished" or "intoxicated" conveys an overwhelming and consuming delight that should characterize the husband's experience of his wife's love, suggesting a passionate absorption that leaves no room for other desires. The verse also employs **Parallelism** in its structure, presenting two complementary aspects of marital satisfaction: physical fulfillment ("let her breasts satisfy thee") and emotional captivation ("be thou ravished... with her love"), both emphasized as continuous ("at all times," "always"). This reinforces the holistic nature of the marital bond and the comprehensive satisfaction it offers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 5:19 beautifully articulates God's design for marriage as a covenantal relationship intended for profound joy, complete satisfaction, and lifelong intimacy. It underscores the divine wisdom in channeling human desires within the sacred bounds of marriage, thereby protecting individuals and society from the destructive consequences of sexual immorality. The passage affirms that true fulfillment and delight are found not in illicit encounters, which promise fleeting pleasure but deliver bitterness and ruin, but in the exclusive, cherished relationship with one's spouse. This divine blueprint for marriage is not merely a set of rules but a pathway to flourishing, where mutual affection, physical intimacy, and emotional captivation serve as powerful safeguards against temptation and sources of enduring happiness. It speaks to the holistic nature of human beings, created for both physical and relational connection, finding their highest expression in a committed, loving union that reflects God's own faithfulness.

* [1 Corinthians 7:2](/1_corinthians/7-2 "1 Corinthians 7:2 - The Purpose of Marriage")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Honor Marriage")
* [Song of Solomon 4:16](/song_of_solomon/4-16 "Song of Solomon 4:16 - The Beloved's Invitation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 5:19 offers timeless wisdom that transcends ancient contexts, providing a profound framework for cultivating a thriving and fulfilling marriage in any era. It challenges husbands to actively cherish, delight in, and find their complete satisfaction in their wives, recognizing that God has designed marriage as the primary sphere for intimate fulfillment. This involves a conscious commitment to nurturing both the physical and emotional dimensions of the relationship, ensuring it remains vibrant, passionate, and deeply satisfying. For both spouses, the verse implicitly teaches that a strong, satisfying marital relationship is the most effective defense against external temptations and the allure of fleeting pleasures. By continually investing in and finding joy within their own marriage, individuals can build a fortress of fidelity that protects their hearts, minds, and bodies from the destructive path of immorality. It encourages a proactive pursuit of marital joy, recognizing that "ravishment" and "satisfaction" are not passive states but require ongoing effort, appreciation, and cultivation to maintain their passion and joy throughout a lifetime, fostering a bond that truly reflects God's good design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I actively cherish and delight in my spouse, reflecting the imagery of the "loving hind and pleasant roe"?**
* **How does finding complete satisfaction within my marriage serve as a safeguard against external temptations, and what steps can I take to deepen this satisfaction?**
* **What does "ravished always with her love" look like in the daily rhythms and long-term commitment of my marriage, beyond initial infatuation?**
* **How can I better embrace and celebrate God's design for both physical and emotional intimacy within my marital covenant, seeing it as a gift and a protection?**

### FAQ
**Does Proverbs 5:19 only apply to husbands, or does it have implications for wives too?**

Answer: While the verse is directly addressed to a son (a husband), its principles are reciprocal and have profound implications for wives as well. The call for the husband to find complete satisfaction and delight in his wife implies that the wife is to be a source of such pleasure and affection, and that she too should find her satisfaction in him. A healthy, satisfying marriage requires mutual effort, cherishing, and intimacy from both partners. While the specific imagery is from a male perspective in a patriarchal society, the underlying message of exclusive devotion, mutual delight, and the safeguarding power of marital intimacy applies to both spouses. Both are called to cultivate a relationship where each finds their deepest satisfaction in the other, reflecting the unity and joy intended by God for marriage (see [Ephesians 5:33](/ephesians/5-33 "Ephesians 5:33 - Respect and Love in Marriage")).

**How does this verse, with its explicit language about "breasts," fit into the broader biblical understanding of sexuality?**

Answer: Proverbs 5:19, far from being an anomaly, beautifully aligns with the biblical understanding of sexuality as a sacred gift from God, intended for expression and enjoyment exclusively within the covenant of marriage. The Bible, particularly in books like [Song of Solomon](/song_of_solomon/1 "Song of Solomon 1 - The Lovers' Dialogue"), is remarkably candid about marital intimacy, affirming its goodness and importance. This verse highlights that physical intimacy is not merely for procreation but also for pleasure, bonding, and mutual satisfaction between husband and wife. It teaches that such intimacy, when confined to marriage, is pure, honorable, and a powerful antidote to the destructive forces of illicit desire. It underscores that God's design for sexuality is for complete fulfillment and delight within the secure and loving confines of the marital covenant, where it serves to strengthen the bond and protect against temptation (see [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 5:19 directly addresses marital fidelity in a literal sense, its underlying principles find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the relationship between Christ and His Church. Just as the husband is called to find complete satisfaction and be "ravished always with her love," so too is Christ utterly devoted to His Bride, the Church. He gave Himself up for her, "that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The "loving hind and pleasant roe" imagery, symbolizing beauty and delight, points to the Church's spiritual beauty in Christ, made radiant and without blemish through His sacrifice and ongoing sanctification. The call for continuous satisfaction and captivation in marital love foreshadows the eternal, unblemished intimacy and joy that believers will experience with Christ, the true Bridegroom, in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem")). Our human marriages, when lived out in fidelity and delight according to God's design, become a powerful earthly picture of this divine, eternal union, reminding us that ultimate satisfaction for the human soul is found only in being "ravished always" with the love of Christ, who is our ultimate Husband and the source of all true fulfillment and living water ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")).

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

Song Of Solomon 7:3

Thy two breasts [are] like two young roes [that are] twins.

Song Of Solomon 4:5

Thy two breasts [are] like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.

Song Of Solomon 2:9

My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.

Song Of Solomon 8:14

Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.

Song Of Solomon 2:17

Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

Proverbs 5:15

¶ Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

2 Samuel 12:4

And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.