Proverbs 6:34

KJV

For jealousy [is] the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

KJV (with Strong's)

For jealousy {H7068} is the rage {H2534} of a man {H1397}: therefore he will not spare {H2550} in the day {H3117} of vengeance {H5359}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For jealousy drives a man into a rage; he will show no mercy when he takes revenge;

Berean Standard Bible

For jealousy enrages a husband, and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance.

American Standard Version

For jealousy is the rage of a man; And he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:34 delivers a stark and potent warning regarding the devastating consequences of marital infidelity, specifically highlighting the intense and unforgiving nature of a wronged husband's jealousy. This verse underscores that such jealousy is not a mild emotion but a consuming rage, leading to an unyielding pursuit of vengeance that will not be appeased or mitigated, serving as a dire caution against violating the sacred covenant of marriage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 6:34 is situated within a larger section of the book (Proverbs 6:20-35) where a father earnestly admonishes his son to heed wisdom and avoid the path of the adulterous woman. The preceding verses detail the profound disgrace, wounds, and irreparable dishonor that adultery brings upon an individual ([Proverbs 6:33](/proverbs/6-33 "Proverbs 6:33 - Consequences of Adultery")). The text draws a sharp contrast between the consequences of a thief, who might steal out of hunger and could potentially repay what was taken, albeit with severe penalties, and the adulterer, who "destroys his own soul" and reputation without any possibility of true restitution. Our verse, [Proverbs 6:34](/proverbs/6-34 "Proverbs 6:34 - Jealousy and Vengeance"), then provides the crucial explanation for the unparalleled severity of adultery's repercussions: it ignites an uncontrollable and merciless rage in the wronged spouse, a fury that demands full retribution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, marriage was not merely a personal union but a foundational social and covenantal institution. Adultery was considered a grave offense, a violation of the seventh commandment ([Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")), and a profound assault on the honor of the husband and the family. Honor and shame were paramount cultural values, and a husband's honor was inextricably linked to the fidelity of his wife. An act of adultery brought immense public shame upon the husband and his lineage. The "rage of a man" described here reflects the cultural expectation and societal understanding that a husband, whose honor and covenant were so deeply violated, would be driven by an intense desire for justice and retribution, often without compromise. This cultural backdrop helps explain the extreme and unsparing nature of the vengeance described.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the **destructive power of sin**, particularly sexual immorality, demonstrating how one act can unleash a cascade of devastating consequences far beyond the immediate participants. Secondly, it underscores the **sanctity and importance of marital fidelity**, portraying marriage as a covenantal bond whose violation carries unique and severe penalties. Thirdly, it explores the theme of **human vengeance and justice**, illustrating the intense human desire for retribution when deeply wronged, especially in matters of honor and covenant. Finally, it implicitly contrasts human justice with divine justice, setting the stage for a deeper theological understanding of God's perfect righteousness and ultimate vengeance, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jealousy (Hebrew, _qinʼâh'_):** From H7068, this word signifies a fierce, protective passion or zeal, often with an underlying sense of indignation or envy. In the context of marriage, it denotes a rightful, intense possessiveness over one's spouse, particularly when that covenant is violated. It's not merely envy of another's possession, but a burning indignation over the perceived or actual violation of one's own sacred rights and honor within the marital covenant.
* **Rage (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** Derived from H2534, this term denotes intense heat, fury, or wrath. It describes a boiling, uncontrollable anger that can overwhelm reason and self-control. When combined with "jealousy," it paints a picture of an emotion so potent it becomes a destructive, consuming fire within a person, leading to irrational and unyielding actions.
* **Spare (Hebrew, _châmal'_):** From H2550, this primitive root means to commiserate, to have compassion, or to show pity. In the negative ("will not spare"), it emphasizes the complete absence of mercy, forgiveness, or leniency. The wronged party's emotional state is so extreme that any thought of compassion, negotiation, or acceptance of restitution is utterly dismissed, as further elaborated in [Proverbs 6:35](/proverbs/6-35 "Proverbs 6:35 - No Ransom for Adultery").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For jealousy [is] the rage of a man:"** This clause establishes a direct and powerful equivalence: the specific type of jealousy provoked by infidelity is not a mere emotion, but a consuming, fiery wrath. It speaks to the profound depth of anger and indignation experienced by a husband whose marital covenant and honor have been violated. This rage is depicted as an overwhelming force that dominates the man's being.
* **"therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance."** This second clause presents the inevitable consequence of such intense rage. Because jealousy has become a consuming fury, the wronged man will show no mercy, compassion, or leniency when the opportunity for retribution arises. "The day of vengeance" refers to the moment or period when the wronged party seeks to inflict punishment or exact justice for the offense, implying a relentless and unyielding pursuit of recompense.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:34 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark warning. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "jealousy" is directly equated with "the rage of a man." This is not merely saying jealousy *leads to* rage, but that it *is* rage, highlighting its consuming and transformative power. This intense imagery is further amplified by **Hyperbole**, particularly in the phrase "he will not spare in the day of vengeance," which, when read with the following verse ([Proverbs 6:35](/proverbs/6-35 "Proverbs 6:35 - No Ransom for Adultery")), suggests an absolute, unappeasable retribution that rejects all forms of compensation. This exaggeration serves to underscore the extreme gravity of adultery and the depth of the wronged party's fury. The verse also functions as a **Warning**, serving as a dire admonition to the reader about the inevitable and devastating consequences of infidelity, painting a vivid picture of the emotional and social fallout.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:34, while describing human emotion and its consequences, implicitly touches upon profound theological truths. It reflects God's own nature as a "jealous God" ([Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God is a Jealous God")), whose "jealousy" is a righteous zeal for His covenant and His glory, leading to divine judgment against idolatry and unfaithfulness. Just as human jealousy in this context arises from the violation of a sacred covenant (marriage), so too does God's righteous wrath stem from humanity's breach of covenant with Him. The verse underscores the biblical principle that sin, particularly that which violates foundational covenants, carries severe and often unappeasable consequences. It also highlights the reality of human justice, which, though imperfect, often seeks full retribution for grievous wrongs, mirroring in a fallen way the divine demand for justice against sin.

* [Numbers 5:14](/numbers/5-14 "Numbers 5:14 - The Spirit of Jealousy in Marriage")
* [Song of Solomon 8:6](/song_of_solomon/8-6 "Song of Solomon 8:6 - Love Strong as Death, Jealousy Fierce as the Grave")
* [Hebrews 10:30-31](/hebrews/10-30 "Hebrews 10:30-31 - The Lord Will Judge His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:34 serves as a timeless and sobering warning for all who contemplate or engage in actions that violate trust and covenant, especially within marriage. It compels us to recognize the profound and often irreversible damage that infidelity inflicts, not only upon the direct parties but also upon families and communities. For those tempted by illicit desires, this verse is a stark reminder that the fleeting pleasure of sin pales in comparison to the immense pain, rage, and desire for retribution it can unleash in the wronged party. It challenges us to cultivate wisdom, self-control, and unwavering commitment to our vows, understanding that the sanctity of marriage is a divine institution worthy of utmost respect and protection. Beyond the specific context of adultery, the verse broadly teaches us about the destructive nature of unchecked anger and the severe consequences of violating sacred trusts. It calls us to live with integrity, honoring our commitments and recognizing the ripple effects of our choices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "rage of a man" in this context deepen your appreciation for the sanctity of marriage and fidelity?**
* **What are the broader implications of this verse for understanding the destructive power of unchecked anger and jealousy in any relationship?**
* **In what ways does this proverb challenge contemporary attitudes towards commitment and the consequences of betrayal?**

### FAQ
**Is all jealousy inherently bad according to the Bible?**

Answer: Not all jealousy is presented as inherently bad in the Bible. While Proverbs 6:34 describes a destructive, human jealousy born of sin (specifically, infidelity), the Bible also speaks of a righteous, holy jealousy, particularly in reference to God. God is described as a "jealous God" ([Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God is a Jealous God"); [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God is a Consuming Fire")). This divine jealousy is not a petty, insecure emotion, but a fierce, protective zeal for His covenant relationship with His people and for His own glory. It drives Him to act against anything that threatens that relationship or dishonors His name, such as idolatry. Similarly, there can be a righteous human "zeal" or "jealousy" for God's honor or for the purity of His church ([2 Corinthians 11:2](/2_corinthians/11-2 "2 Corinthians 11:2 - Paul's Godly Jealousy")). The jealousy in Proverbs 6:34, however, is the destructive human response to a profound betrayal, highlighting the dangerous, vengeful side of human passion when fueled by sin.

**What does "he will not spare in the day of vengeance" practically mean for the adulterer?**

Answer: This phrase means that the wronged husband will show absolutely no mercy, compassion, or willingness to compromise or forgive the one who committed adultery with his wife. In practical terms, it implies that any attempt by the adulterer to appease the husband with monetary compensation, gifts, or apologies will be utterly rejected. [Proverbs 6:35](/proverbs/6-35 "Proverbs 6:35 - No Ransom for Adultery") explicitly states, "He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts." This suggests that the husband's rage is so profound that he seeks not restitution, but retribution. Historically, this could have manifested in various forms, from legal prosecution (which, under Mosaic Law, could lead to capital punishment for both parties, [Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Punishment for Adultery")) to social ostracization, public shaming, or even violent personal vengeance, depending on the cultural context and the specific circumstances. The core message is that the consequences are severe, unmitigated, and unavoidable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:34 vividly portrays the human demand for vengeance when a sacred covenant is violated, a demand that refuses to "spare" or accept restitution. This fierce human wrath, however, finds its ultimate and redemptive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks of human vengeance for human sin, the New Testament reveals the perfect, righteous wrath of God against all sin, which is infinitely more severe than any human rage ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")). Yet, in His boundless love, God did not "spare" His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Did Not Spare His Own Son")). Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, absorbed the full "rage" and "vengeance" of God's righteous judgment against humanity's unfaithfulness and sin, including the sin of adultery which He addressed with profound seriousness ([Matthew 5:27-28](/matthew/5-27 "Matthew 5:27-28 - Jesus on Adultery")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ paid the ultimate ransom, satisfying divine justice and offering reconciliation where human vengeance offers none ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, while the proverb warns of unsparing human vengeance, Christ offers divine mercy and forgiveness, transforming our understanding of justice and calling believers to forgo personal vengeance, for "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord" ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, Says the Lord")). The fury of the wronged husband in Proverbs foreshadows the righteous wrath against sin, which Christ perfectly bore, enabling a path to peace and restoration that no human act of vengeance could ever achieve.

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 8:6

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love [is] strong as death; jealousy [is] cruel as the grave: the coals thereof [are] coals of fire, [which hath a] most vehement flame.

Proverbs 27:4

Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous; but who [is] able to stand before envy?

Numbers 5:14

And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled:

Numbers 25:11

Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.

1 Corinthians 10:22

Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

Judges 19:29

And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, [together] with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel.

Judges 19:30

And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak [your minds].