Proverbs 5:8

KJV

Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

KJV (with Strong's)

Remove {H7368} thy way {H1870} far {H7368} from her, and come not nigh {H7126} the door {H6607} of her house {H1004}:

Complete Jewish Bible

distance your way from her, stay far from the door of her house;

Berean Standard Bible

Keep your path far from her; do not go near the door of her house,

American Standard Version

Remove thy way far from her, And come not nigh the door of her house;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 5:8 delivers a potent, imperative command from a father to his son, urging absolute separation from the seductive influence of the "strange woman" or adulteress. This verse is a practical directive within a broader warning against sexual immorality, emphasizing that true wisdom involves not merely resisting temptation when it arises, but proactively establishing significant distance—both physical and relational—from any source that could lead to moral compromise and ruin. It underscores the profound danger of even approaching the periphery of sin, advocating for decisive and complete avoidance as a cornerstone of a righteous life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 5 is a stark and urgent warning against the "forbidden woman" (often translated as "strange woman" or "adulteress"), forming a critical part of the father's wisdom instruction to his son in the early chapters of Proverbs (Proverbs 1-9). The chapter opens with an appeal to heed wisdom's counsel (Proverbs 5:1-2), immediately contrasting the initial sweetness of the adulteress's words with their bitter, destructive end (Proverbs 5:3-4). The path of this woman is explicitly linked to death and Sheol (Proverbs 5:5-6), setting a grave tone. Verse 8, therefore, is not an isolated piece of advice but a direct, actionable command flowing from this dire warning, providing the practical means to escape the described peril. It follows a series of rhetorical questions and vivid descriptions designed to expose the true nature of illicit pleasure, making the imperative to "remove thy way far from her" a logical and necessary response to the preceding exposition of danger.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the family unit was the foundational structure, and fidelity within marriage was paramount for social order, lineage, and spiritual purity. Sexual immorality, particularly adultery, was considered a grave sin against God, the spouse, and the community, often punishable by death (Leviticus 20:10). The "strange woman" (Hebrew: *zarah*) could refer to a foreign woman, but more broadly, it signifies one who is outside the covenant community's moral code or, more specifically, a married woman engaging in adultery or a prostitute. Such women often operated outside the traditional domestic sphere, perhaps in public spaces or designated houses, making "her house" a known locale for illicit encounters. The father's warning reflects the societal understanding of the severe consequences—social ostracization, financial ruin, disease, and spiritual condemnation—that awaited those who fell prey to such temptations, underscoring the vital importance of maintaining moral boundaries in a culture where honor and family integrity were highly valued.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 5:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Primarily, it champions the theme of **Proactive Avoidance of Temptation**, advocating for a strategy of prevention rather than merely resistance. The instruction to "remove thy way far from her" and "come not nigh the door of her house" highlights the necessity of creating decisive distance from known sources of moral danger, a principle echoed in other wisdom teachings, such as guarding one's heart (Proverbs 4:23). This verse also reinforces the theme of **Consequences of Moral Choices**, illustrating that proximity to sin inevitably leads to destructive outcomes, contrasting sharply with the life-giving path of wisdom (Proverbs 4:10-19). Furthermore, it implicitly touches upon the theme of **Self-Control and Discipline**, as adherence to this command requires intentionality, foresight, and the discipline to redirect one's desires and actions away from alluring but perilous paths. The entire chapter, culminating in the call to find joy in one's own spouse (Proverbs 5:15-20), underscores the wisdom of **Sexual Purity within Marriage** as God's design for human flourishing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remove (Hebrew, _râchaq'_):** From H7368, meaning "to widen (in any direction), i.e. (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)." This imperative verb demands a decisive, active separation. It's not passive avoidance but an intentional widening of the gap, a deliberate act of putting distance between oneself and the object of temptation. The repetition implied by "far" (also from *râchaq*) emphasizes the extreme degree of separation required.
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From H1870, meaning "a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action." This word is central to Proverbs, often representing one's moral conduct or lifestyle. Here, "thy way" refers to one's entire course of life, one's habits, associations, and decisions. The command is not just about a single action but about reorienting one's entire life trajectory to be far from the influence of the adulteress.
* **Nigh (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** From H7126, meaning "to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose." The negative command "come not nigh" is an absolute prohibition against even the slightest step towards the "door." It implies that even a casual or seemingly innocent proximity to temptation is dangerous and must be avoided. This word emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining boundaries and not testing the limits of one's resolve.
* **Door (Hebrew, _pethach'_):** From H6607, meaning "an opening (literally), i.e. door (gate) or entrance way." The "door of her house" serves as a powerful **metaphor** for the threshold of temptation, the point of no return, or the initial point of entry into a dangerous situation. It represents the immediate access point to a place of moral compromise. The command to not come "nigh" this door implies that even the approach, the lingering, or the consideration of entry is perilous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remove thy way far from her,"**: This clause is a strong imperative, commanding a complete and decisive redirection of one's life path. "Thy way" signifies one's entire course of action, choices, and lifestyle. The instruction is to make this way "far" (from *râchaq*) from the influence of the adulteress. This implies not just physical distance but also a separation in values, associations, and even thoughts. It's an active, intentional act of disengagement from anything that could lead to temptation.
* **"and come not nigh the door of her house:"**: This second clause reinforces the first by providing a specific, tangible boundary. "The door of her house" is a vivid **metaphor** for the point of entry into moral compromise. The command "come not nigh" (from *qârab*) is an absolute prohibition against even approaching the threshold. It warns against lingering in "gray areas" or testing one's limits, emphasizing that true wisdom dictates avoiding even the possibility of succumbing to temptation by staying far from its immediate vicinity.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 5:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is **Imperative Mood**, as both "Remove" and "come not nigh" are direct commands, conveying the non-negotiable nature of the instruction. This direct address underscores the father's earnest desire for his son's well-being and the critical importance of the warning. The verse also utilizes **Metaphor** extensively; "thy way" is a metaphor for one's life course or moral conduct, while "the door of her house" is a powerful metaphor for the entry point of temptation or moral ruin. This imagery makes the abstract concept of avoiding sin tangible and relatable. Furthermore, the use of **Hyperbole** or extreme language ("far from her," "not nigh") emphasizes the absolute nature of the required separation, suggesting that no amount of distance is too much when dealing with such potent temptation. There is also an element of **Antithesis** implied, as this path of extreme avoidance stands in stark contrast to the destructive "way" of the adulteress described earlier in the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 5:8 encapsulates a profound theological principle: the wisdom of proactive avoidance in the face of temptation. This isn't merely pragmatic advice but a spiritual discipline rooted in understanding the insidious nature of sin and the human propensity to fall. It teaches that true spiritual strength often lies not in confronting temptation head-on, but in strategically removing oneself from its sphere of influence, recognizing that certain battles are best won by not fighting them in the first place. This principle aligns with God's call to holiness and separation from the world's corrupting influences, emphasizing that our environment and associations profoundly impact our spiritual walk. It underscores the biblical understanding that sin is not just an act but a process, often beginning with small compromises or lingering in dangerous proximity.

* [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee from Sexual Immorality")
* [2 Timothy 2:22](/2_timothy/2-22 "2 Timothy 2:22 - Flee Youthful Passions")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:22](/1_thessalonians/5-22 "1 Thessalonians 5:22 - Abstain from Every Form of Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 5:8 offers timeless wisdom for navigating the pervasive temptations of our modern world. In an era saturated with digital allure and blurred moral lines, the command to "remove thy way far from her" and "come not nigh the door of her house" takes on new urgency. This isn't just about physical proximity to an individual but about the intentional creation of distance from any person, place, or digital content that compromises one's moral integrity or spiritual purity. It calls believers to a radical commitment to holiness, recognizing that even small concessions or lingering near the "door" of temptation can lead to devastating consequences. Applying this verse means proactively identifying personal vulnerabilities and establishing clear, non-negotiable boundaries—whether it's managing online interactions, choosing entertainment, or selecting social circles. It's a call to cultivate a lifestyle of vigilance, self-control, and a deep reverence for God's standards, understanding that prevention is always superior to the painful process of recovery from sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "doors" or "houses" of temptation in my life that I need to remove my way far from?**
* **Am I actively establishing boundaries, or am I passively hoping to resist temptation when it arises?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of spiritual warfare and personal responsibility?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to increase my "distance" from known areas of compromise?**

### FAQ
**What does "the strange woman" mean in Proverbs?**

Answer: In the book of Proverbs, "the strange woman" (Hebrew: *'ishshah zarah* or *nokriyah*) is a recurring motif, primarily referring to an adulteress or a harlot. She is depicted as someone whose ways lead to death and destruction, contrasting sharply with Lady Wisdom. While she might literally refer to a foreign woman, her "strangeness" primarily denotes her deviation from the covenantal and moral norms of Israelite society, particularly regarding sexual fidelity within marriage. She represents any seductive influence that draws one away from the path of righteousness and into moral ruin, especially through sexual sin.

**Is this verse only about sexual temptation, or does it have broader application?**

Answer: While Proverbs 5 explicitly addresses sexual immorality, the principle of Proverbs 5:8—proactive avoidance of temptation—has broad application to all areas of life. The "door of her house" can be understood metaphorically as any entry point to sin or compromise. This includes financial temptations, substance abuse, gossip, anger, or any habit that draws one away from God's will. The wisdom is to identify our personal "doors" of temptation and establish significant distance from them, rather than testing our limits or lingering in dangerous "gray areas." This principle is echoed in [1 Thessalonians 5:22](/1_thessalonians/5-22 "1 Thessalonians 5:22 - Abstain from Every Form of Evil"), which advises abstaining from "every form of evil."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 5:8, with its urgent call to flee temptation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law and wisdom literature provided commands for righteous living, humanity's inherent sinfulness often rendered them incapable of consistent obedience. Jesus, however, is the embodiment of perfect wisdom and purity, who successfully "removed His way far" from every temptation, even when directly confronted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He never "came nigh the door" of sin, flawlessly fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law. For believers, Christ's work provides not just a perfect example, but also the means for obedience. Through His atoning sacrifice, we are forgiven for our past failures, and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live lives that reflect His purity. The Spirit enables us to "flee youthful passions" and "pursue righteousness" (2 Timothy 2:22), giving us the strength to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). Thus, what was a wise but often difficult command in Proverbs becomes a Spirit-empowered reality for those who are "in Christ," who provides both the motivation and the divine ability to truly "remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house."

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 7:25

Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

Proverbs 4:15

Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Proverbs 6:27

Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

Proverbs 6:28

Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?