Proverbs 5:20

KJV

And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

KJV (with Strong's)

And why wilt thou, my son {H1121}, be ravished {H7686} with a strange woman {H2114}, and embrace {H2263} the bosom {H2436} of a stranger {H5237}?

Complete Jewish Bible

My son, why be infatuated with an unknown woman? Why embrace the body of a loose woman?

Berean Standard Bible

Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress, or embrace the bosom of a stranger?

American Standard Version

For why shouldest thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, And embrace the bosom of a foreigner?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 5:20 presents a father's urgent and rhetorical question to his son, challenging the profound folly of pursuing illicit sexual relationships with a "strange woman" or "stranger." This verse encapsulates the book's broader warning against sexual immorality, highlighting the intoxicating allure of sin and implicitly contrasting it with the wisdom and lasting joy found in fidelity and adherence to God's design for marriage. It serves as a direct appeal to reason, urging the son to consider the destructive path of unchastity and choose instead the way of righteousness and self-control.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 5:20 is situated within a sustained didactic poem (Proverbs 5:1-23) where a father, embodying wisdom, passionately warns his son against the seductive and destructive nature of the "strange woman" (often a euphemism for an adulteress or prostitute). This chapter is a stark contrast to the previous chapter's emphasis on pursuing wisdom as a life-giving path. The father meticulously details the initial sweetness and ultimate bitterness of such illicit encounters, describing her enticing words in [Proverbs 5:3](/proverbs/5-3 "Proverbs 5:3 - The Enticing Words of the Strange Woman"), her deadly end in [Proverbs 5:5](/proverbs/5-5 "Proverbs 5:5 - Her Steps Lead to Death"), and the ruin she brings upon her victims in [Proverbs 5:9-11](/proverbs/5-9-11 "Proverbs 5:9-11 - The Ruin of Adultery"). Verse 20 functions as a climactic rhetorical question, designed to shock the son into recognizing the absurdity and self-destructive nature of choosing such a path when the pure springs of marital fidelity are readily available, as encouraged in [Proverbs 5:15-19](/proverbs/5-15-19 "Proverbs 5:15-19 - Drink from Your Own Cistern"). It powerfully reinforces the central theme of Proverbs—the choice between wisdom and folly, life and death.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the family unit was the foundational pillar, and lineage was paramount. Marital fidelity was not merely a private affair but a matter of public honor, social stability, and covenant faithfulness. Adultery was a grave offense, punishable by death under the Mosaic Law, as stipulated in [Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Punishment for Adultery"). The "strange woman" (Hebrew: *zarah* or *nokriyah*) in this context refers not necessarily to a foreign woman by nationality, but primarily to one who is "alien" or "outside" the covenantal and marital relationship—an adulteress or prostitute. Her presence threatened the purity of the family line, the integrity of the community, and the spiritual well-being of the individual. The "bosom" (Hebrew: *cheyq*) was a deeply intimate space, often referring to the lap or embrace, thus "embracing the bosom of a stranger" unequivocally denotes illicit sexual intimacy. The cultural emphasis on honor and shame meant that succumbing to such temptation brought not only personal ruin but also public disgrace upon oneself and one's family.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 5:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it serves as a crucial **Warning Against Sexual Immorality and Adultery**, portraying it as a deceptive and ultimately destructive path that leads to ruin and regret, contrasting sharply with the blessings of marital fidelity, as seen in [Proverbs 5:18-19](/proverbs/5-18-19 "Proverbs 5:18-19 - Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth"). Secondly, it highlights the **Deceptiveness and Intoxicating Allure of Sin**, particularly lust, which can "ravish" or lead one astray from sound judgment and righteous living. The rhetorical question itself underscores the **Call to Wisdom and Prudence**, urging the son to exercise discernment and self-control rather than succumbing to fleeting passions. Finally, the verse implicitly upholds the **Sanctity of Marriage and Fidelity**, presenting it as the divinely ordained context for sexual intimacy and a source of lasting joy and security, in stark contrast to the bitter consequences of infidelity detailed throughout the chapter in [Proverbs 5:11-14](/proverbs/5-11-14 "Proverbs 5:11-14 - The Bitter End of Folly").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** H1121, from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.). In this context, "my son" highlights the intimate, paternal relationship between the speaker and the recipient of this vital wisdom. It emphasizes the father's deep concern for his heir's character, lineage, and future, recognizing the son's role in perpetuating the family name and heritage. The warning is not merely a legalistic prohibition but a loving appeal from a father to preserve his son's well-being and destiny.
* **ravished (Hebrew, _shâgâh'_):** 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. This word vividly portrays the state of being utterly captivated, deluded, or intoxicated by the "strange woman's" charms. It suggests a loss of self-control, discernment, and moral compass, leading one to wander from the righteous path. The individual is not merely tempted but becomes overwhelmed, making a profound moral error due to a spiritual and emotional "intoxication."
* **stranger (Hebrew, _nokrîy'_):** H5237, from נֶכֶר (second form); strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful). While potentially referring to a literal foreigner, in the context of Proverbs 5, *nokrîy* (and *zarah* for "strange woman") primarily denotes someone "alien" or "outside" the established, covenantal, and marital boundaries. This "otherness" signifies a moral and spiritual deviation, representing an adulteress or prostitute who poses a threat to the integrity of the family, the sanctity of marriage, and the individual's relationship with God. She is a source of defilement and disruption to the divinely ordered social fabric.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And why wilt thou, my son,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct, personal, and rhetorical nature of the father's warning. The phrase "why wilt thou" (or "why should you") is a direct challenge, an appeal to reason and self-interest. It implies that the son has a choice, and the father is questioning the logic of choosing a destructive path. The address "my son" reinforces the loving authority and deep concern of the speaker, making the warning profoundly personal and weighty, highlighting the stakes involved for the family's future and the son's well-being.
* **"be ravished with a strange woman,"**: This segment describes the nature of the temptation and the initial act of succumbing to it. To "be ravished" (Hebrew: *shâgâh*) means to be led astray, to err, or to be intoxicated with desire, losing one's moral bearings. The "strange woman" (Hebrew: *zarah* or *nokriyah*) is the object of this dangerous allure, representing an adulteress or prostitute who operates outside the bounds of covenant fidelity. This clause highlights the deceptive power of illicit passion to overwhelm judgment and lead one into moral transgression, suggesting a state of being utterly consumed by an illicit attraction.
* **"and embrace the bosom of a stranger?"**: This final clause uses a powerful euphemism to describe the act of illicit sexual intimacy. "Embrace the bosom" (Hebrew: *châbaq cheyq*) signifies deep, intimate physical closeness, often referring to a tender, loving embrace. The repetition of "stranger" (Hebrew: *nokrîy*), echoing "strange woman," reinforces the idea of someone outside the legitimate marital relationship. This parallelism emphasizes the forbidden and dangerous nature of the act, underscoring that such intimacy, though seemingly pleasurable, is with someone who is fundamentally "other" and destructive to one's well-being and covenant standing, leading to profound regret and ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 5:20 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**: "And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to provoke deep introspection and challenge the son's potential folly. It forces the listener to confront the irrationality and self-destructive nature of choosing illicit pleasure over wisdom. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("and embrace the bosom of a stranger") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first half ("be ravished with a strange woman"). Both phrases refer to engaging in sexual immorality, but the second phrase uses a more explicit **Euphemism** ("embrace the bosom") to describe the intimate act, making the warning more vivid and direct. This parallelism reinforces the singular, dangerous nature of the "strange woman" and the "stranger" as representing the same destructive force. The use of "ravished" also carries a strong sense of **Metaphor**, depicting the allure of sin as an intoxicating force that overwhelms and deludes, leading one astray from the path of righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 5:20 is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of covenant, purity, and the consequences of sin. Theologically, it underscores God's design for sexual intimacy to be exclusively within the bounds of a monogamous marriage, viewing any deviation as a transgression against divine order and human flourishing. The "strange woman" represents not just a social threat but a spiritual one, embodying a path that leads away from God's wisdom and into moral decay. This warning reflects the broader biblical emphasis on holiness and the call to live a life set apart for God, free from the defilement of sexual sin. It connects to the concept of covenant faithfulness, where fidelity in marriage mirrors Israel's fidelity to Yahweh, and infidelity represents a spiritual adultery against God Himself.

* [Proverbs 6:27-29](/proverbs/6-27-29 "Consequences of Adultery")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Marriage is Honorable")
* [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "Flee Sexual Immorality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 5:20 remains profoundly relevant in a world saturated with sexual temptation and shifting moral landscapes. The father's rhetorical question challenges us to examine our own hearts and choices: "Why would I choose a path that promises fleeting pleasure but delivers lasting destruction?" This verse calls us to cultivate radical self-control and discernment, recognizing that sin often presents itself as alluring and harmless, yet its end is bitter. It underscores the vital importance of guarding our eyes, minds, and hearts against temptations that seek to draw us away from purity and fidelity. Practically, this means actively choosing to honor God's design for sexuality, cherishing the sanctity of marriage, and fleeing from any situation or influence that could lead to moral compromise. It compels us to invest in relationships that build us up in wisdom and righteousness, rather than those that would lead us astray, remembering that true freedom is found in obedience to God's good design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strange women" (or "strangers")—whether literal relationships, media, or desires—are currently vying for my attention and potentially leading me astray from God's path?**
* **In what ways might I be "ravished" or intoxicated by worldly allurements, causing me to lose my spiritual discernment and self-control?**
* **How does my understanding of God's design for marriage and sexual purity shape my daily choices and relationships?**
* **What practical steps can I take to strengthen my resolve against temptation and cultivate a heart devoted to purity and fidelity?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "strange woman" mentioned in Proverbs?**

Answer: In the context of Proverbs, the "strange woman" (Hebrew: *zarah* or *nokriyah*) primarily refers to an adulteress or a prostitute, rather than simply a woman from a foreign land. She is "strange" because she is outside the covenantal and marital boundaries established by God. She represents a moral and spiritual threat to the individual and the community, embodying folly and leading to destruction. Her allure is deceptive, promising pleasure but delivering ruin and regret, as detailed throughout [Proverbs 5](/proverbs/5 "Warning Against the Adulteress") and [Proverbs 7](/proverbs/7 "The Allure of the Adulteress").

**What does it mean to be "ravished" with a strange woman?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "ravished" (H7686, *shâgâh*) means to stray, err, or be intoxicated. In this context, it describes being utterly captivated, deluded, or overwhelmed by the "strange woman's" charms to the point of losing one's moral judgment and self-control. It suggests a state where one is so enraptured by illicit desire that they wander from the path of wisdom and righteousness, making a profound moral mistake. It's a powerful depiction of how temptation can intoxicate the mind and lead to transgression, as warned against in [Proverbs 7:21-23](/proverbs/7-21-23 "Led Astray by Smooth Talk").

**Why is the warning against sexual immorality so prominent in the book of Proverbs?**

Answer: The warning against sexual immorality is prominent in Proverbs because it is a foundational issue for individual well-being, family stability, and societal order, all of which are central concerns of wisdom literature. Sexual sin, particularly adultery, directly attacks the integrity of the family unit, which was the bedrock of ancient Israelite society. It leads to severe consequences such as financial ruin, loss of reputation, disease, and spiritual death, as highlighted in [Proverbs 6:26-35](/proverbs/6-26-35 "The Bitter Cost of Adultery"). Furthermore, it represents a profound rejection of God's wisdom and covenant faithfulness, leading one down the path of folly and away from the life God intends. The book emphasizes that true wisdom includes purity and fidelity, which bring lasting blessings and peace, as beautifully illustrated in [Proverbs 5:15-19](/proverbs/5-15-19 "Rejoice in Your Own Wife").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 5:20, with its stark warning against the "strange woman" and the enticement of sexual sin, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law and wisdom literature provided external commands and warnings, Christ embodies the perfect wisdom and offers the internal power to overcome sin. He is the **Wisdom of God personified** ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "Christ Our Wisdom")), and in Him, we find the true path of life, contrasting sharply with the destructive ways of the "strange woman." Jesus elevated the standard of purity, teaching that lust in the heart is equivalent to committing adultery ([Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Lust in the Heart")). He did not merely warn against sin but provided the means for its forgiveness and the power for new life. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ took upon Himself the shame and consequences of all sin, including sexual immorality, offering grace and redemption to those who repent ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "Confession and Forgiveness")). Moreover, the Holy Spirit, given to believers, empowers them to "flee sexual immorality" ([1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "Flee Sexual Immorality")) and live lives of purity, transforming their desires and enabling them to honor God with their bodies, recognizing they are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "Your Body is a Temple")). Thus, the call to reject the "bosom of a stranger" is fulfilled in Christ by embracing Him as the true Bridegroom and living in the purity and fidelity that reflect the Church's relationship with Him, her Head ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ and the Church")).

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

Proverbs 6:24

To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

Proverbs 7:5

That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words.

1 Kings 11:1

¶ But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites;

Proverbs 22:14

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

Proverbs 23:27

For a whore [is] a deep ditch; and a strange woman [is] a narrow pit.

Proverbs 23:28

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

Proverbs 23:33

Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.