Proverbs 6:33

KJV

A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

KJV (with Strong's)

A wound {H5061} and dishonour {H7036} shall he get {H4672}; and his reproach {H2781} shall not be wiped away {H4229}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will get nothing but blows and contempt, and his disgrace will not be wiped away.

Berean Standard Bible

Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away.

American Standard Version

Wounds and dishonor shall he get; And his reproach shall not be wiped away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:33 delivers a stark warning regarding the severe and enduring consequences of adultery, emphasizing that such a transgression will inevitably result in profound physical, social, and reputational damage. The verse highlights that the disgrace incurred by infidelity is not temporary but leaves an indelible stain, a public shame that cannot be easily erased or forgotten, underscoring the irreversible nature of the harm caused by sexual sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 6:33 is situated within a lengthy and urgent paternal admonition against sexual immorality, specifically adultery, which spans from [Proverbs 5:1](/proverbs/5-1 "Proverbs 5 - Warnings Against Adultery") through [Proverbs 7:27](/proverbs/7-27 "Proverbs 7 - The Peril of the Adulteress"). The father's instruction begins with a call to heed wisdom and avoid the "evil woman" or "adulteress" (Proverbs 6:24). Prior verses detail the seductive tactics of the adulteress (Proverbs 6:24-26) and the destructive nature of her path, likening it to playing with fire (Proverbs 6:27-29). Immediately preceding verse 33, the text distinguishes between the lesser sin of a thief stealing out of hunger (who might repay sevenfold) and the utterly destructive nature of adultery, which has no easy restitution (Proverbs 6:30-32). Verse 33 then serves as the climactic statement of the adulterer's unavoidable and lasting personal ruin, leading into the jealous rage of the wronged husband in Proverbs 6:34-35.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, honor and shame were paramount values, deeply interwoven with an individual's and a family's social standing. Adultery, as a violation of the most sacred covenant (marriage) and a direct affront to a husband's honor, was considered an egregious sin with severe legal and social ramifications. The Mosaic Law prescribed the death penalty for both parties involved in adultery ([Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Law on Adultery") and [Deuteronomy 22:22](/deuteronomy/22-22 "Deuteronomy 22:22 - Law on Adultery")), underscoring its gravity. Beyond legal punishment, the social disgrace was profound and often irreparable. A "wound" could imply physical harm from the wronged husband (Proverbs 6:34-35) or the societal consequences, while "dishonour" and "reproach" signify a public, indelible stain on one's reputation, affecting not only the individual but also their family line. The cultural emphasis on lineage and community standing meant that such a public shame would be carried for generations.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 6:33 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader wisdom literature. Foremost is the theme of **consequences of choices**, illustrating that actions, particularly those violating divine and social order, have inevitable and often severe repercussions. It highlights the **destructive nature of sin**, particularly sexual immorality, contrasting fleeting pleasure with lasting devastation. The verse also underscores the importance of **honor and reputation** in ancient society, demonstrating how quickly they can be lost and how difficult, if not impossible, they are to restore once compromised by such a transgression. This aligns with the broader wisdom teaching that true wisdom leads to life and honor, while folly leads to death and shame, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 8:35-36](/proverbs/8-35 "Proverbs 8:35-36 - Wisdom Leads to Life"). The sanctity of marriage and fidelity is also a core theme, as the verse warns against actions that undermine this foundational institution.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wound (Hebrew, _negaʻ'_):** From H5061, this term signifies "a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot... plague, sore, stricken, stripe, stroke, wound." In this context, it denotes a grievous injury, not merely physical, but encompassing the deep, painful damage inflicted upon one's character, spirit, and social standing as a result of adultery. It suggests a lasting scar.
* **Dishonour (Hebrew, _qâlôwn'_):** From H7036, meaning "disgrace; (by implication) the pudenda; confusion, dishonour, ignominy, reproach, shame." This word emphasizes the profound public humiliation and loss of respect that accompanies the act of adultery. It speaks to a stripping away of dignity and a descent into public contempt, a state of utter disgrace.
* **Get (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** From H4672, meaning "to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire." This verb indicates that the wound and dishonour are not accidental occurrences but are the direct, inevitable, and acquired outcomes of the adulterer's actions. They are "found" or "obtained" as a direct consequence.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** From H2781, meaning "contumely, disgrace, the pudenda; rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame." Similar to "dishonour," this word specifically highlights the public scorn, derision, and contempt that the adulterer will face. It is the public accusation and blame that sticks to one's name.
* **Wiped away (Hebrew, _mâchâh'_):** From H4229, meaning "to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth... abolish, blot out, destroy, put out, wipe (away, out)." The negation "shall not be wiped away" is crucial, conveying the permanence of the disgrace. Unlike a physical stain that can be scrubbed clean, the shame associated with adultery is presented as an indelible mark that cannot be removed by time, effort, or even repentance in the eyes of society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A wound and dishonour shall he get":** This clause establishes the immediate and unavoidable consequences for the one who commits adultery. The "wound" signifies a deep, painful injury that is both internal (to one's conscience and spirit) and external (to one's body, reputation, and social standing). The "dishonour" refers to the complete loss of respect, dignity, and public esteem. The verb "shall he get" emphasizes that these are not accidental misfortunes but are the direct, inevitable, and self-inflicted results of the transgression, acquired through the act itself.
* **"and his reproach shall not be wiped away":** This second clause intensifies the warning by highlighting the lasting and irreversible nature of the disgrace. "Reproach" refers to the public shame, scorn, and condemnation that will be leveled against the adulterer. The phrase "shall not be wiped away" uses a powerful image of an indelible stain, suggesting that this public humiliation will cling to the individual's name and legacy, resisting any attempt to erase or mitigate it. It implies a permanent blot on one's character and reputation within the community, a mark that time or subsequent good deeds cannot fully remove.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:33 employs several potent **literary devices** to underscore its warning. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "wound and dishonour" in the first clause are mirrored by "reproach" in the second, both emphasizing the negative consequences. The phrase "shall not be wiped away" functions as **hyperbole**, exaggerating the permanence of the shame to impress upon the reader the severity of the act. While God's forgiveness is available, the social and reputational consequences in the human sphere are presented as virtually irreversible. The imagery of something being "wiped away" is a **metaphor** for cleansing or erasing, and its negation creates a vivid picture of an indelible stain. This verse also utilizes **contrast** by implicitly setting the fleeting pleasure of illicit sex against the enduring and devastating pain of its aftermath, a common rhetorical strategy throughout the book of Proverbs when discussing the path of wisdom versus folly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:33 resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of sin's destructive nature, particularly concerning sexual immorality. It underscores God's high regard for the covenant of marriage and the sanctity of sexual purity, viewing adultery not merely as a social transgression but as a profound offense against God and humanity. The "wound" and "dishonour" reflect the brokenness that sin introduces into relationships—with God, with one's spouse, and with the community. The concept that "reproach shall not be wiped away" highlights the long-term, often generational, consequences of certain sins, demonstrating that while God offers forgiveness, the natural and social repercussions of our actions can persist. This serves as a powerful reminder that our choices have far-reaching implications beyond the immediate moment of gratification, impacting our legacy and the honor of our families.

* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")
* [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality")
* [Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Penalty for Adultery")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:33 serves as a timeless and solemn warning, urging us to consider the profound and lasting consequences of our choices, especially in matters of sexual purity and fidelity. In a world that often minimizes sexual sin or glorifies fleeting pleasure, this verse stands as a stark reminder that true wisdom involves foresight—understanding that immediate gratification can lead to long-term devastation. It calls us to guard our hearts and minds with diligence, recognizing that integrity and faithfulness are not merely abstract virtues but practical safeguards for our reputation, our relationships, and our peace. By prioritizing God's design for marriage and sexual purity, we protect ourselves and our families from the "wound and dishonour" that can leave an indelible "reproach." This verse compels us to cultivate self-control, honor commitments, and live with an awareness that our actions reverberate through time, shaping our legacy and our standing before God and others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific temptations or societal pressures in today's world might lead someone to disregard the warning in Proverbs 6:33?**
* **How does the concept of "reproach that shall not be wiped away" challenge our modern understanding of forgiveness and consequences?**
* **In what ways can a community or church uphold the sanctity of marriage and support individuals in living faithfully, thereby preventing such "wound and dishonour"?**
* **Beyond sexual sin, what other choices might lead to a lasting "reproach" on one's character or reputation?**

### FAQ
**Does "reproach shall not be wiped away" mean there is no forgiveness for adultery?**

Answer: No, this verse primarily speaks to the social and reputational consequences within the human sphere, not the divine. While the public shame and damage to one's honor in the community might be permanent or extremely difficult to overcome, the Bible consistently teaches that God offers complete forgiveness and cleansing for all sins, including adultery, to those who genuinely repent and turn to Him. Passages like [Psalm 51:1-2](/psalm/51-1 "Psalm 51:1-2 - David's Prayer for Cleansing") and [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness") affirm God's willingness to forgive and purify. The "reproach" refers to the earthly, social stain, which can be incredibly difficult to remove, even if divine forgiveness is granted.

**Why is adultery singled out for such severe consequences in Proverbs?**

Answer: Adultery is singled out because it represents a profound breach of covenant, a betrayal of trust, and a violation of the most intimate human bond. It undermines the foundational institution of marriage, which is a picture of God's covenant relationship with His people. Unlike other sins, adultery directly harms multiple parties—the spouse, the children, the family, and the community—and often leads to irreparable brokenness. The book of Proverbs, as wisdom literature, seeks to instruct on living a life that honors God and leads to flourishing. Adultery, by its very nature, leads to destruction, dishonor, and chaos, directly opposing the path of wisdom and life that Proverbs advocates. The severity of the warning reflects the catastrophic impact of this sin on individuals and society, as seen in [Proverbs 7:26-27](/proverbs/7-26 "Proverbs 7:26-27 - The Destructive Path of the Adulteress").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:33, with its stark warning of indelible wound, dishonour, and reproach, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, by its very nature, is stained by sin, incurring a "reproach" before a holy God that we could never "wipe away" ourselves. The Law, including the warnings in Proverbs, reveals the depth of our sin and our inability to cleanse ourselves from its defilement. However, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, willingly took upon Himself the "wound and dishonour" of our sin. He bore our shame on the cross, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The "reproach" that was rightfully ours was laid upon Him, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")). Through His sacrifice, Christ "blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us...nailing it to the cross" ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Blotting Out the Handwriting of Ordinances")), effectively wiping away the spiritual reproach of sin for all who believe. While earthly consequences may remain, in Christ, believers receive a new identity, cleansed from the ultimate stain of sin, and are clothed in His righteousness, transforming eternal dishonour into everlasting glory ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Finisher of Our Faith")).

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 5:9

Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

Proverbs 5:11

And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

Psalms 38:1

¶ A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

Psalms 38:8

I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.

Judges 16:19

And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.

Judges 16:21

But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.

Psalms 51:8

Make me to hear joy and gladness; [that] the bones [which] thou hast broken may rejoice.