Proverbs 6:34

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Proverbs 6:34 offers a stark warning about the fierce and unforgiving nature of human jealousy, especially when provoked by marital infidelity. This verse is part of a larger section (Proverbs 6:20-35) that cautions against the dangers and devastating consequences of adultery, contrasting it sharply with other forms of wrongdoing.

Context

The immediate context of Proverbs 6:34 is a father's earnest admonition to his son concerning the path of wisdom and righteousness, specifically warning against the allure of the adulterous woman. The preceding verses detail how adultery brings disgrace, wounds, and irreparable dishonor (Proverbs 6:33). Unlike a thief who might steal out of hunger and repay sevenfold, though still punished, the adulterer destroys his own soul and reputation. Our verse, Proverbs 6:34, then explains *why* the consequences of adultery are so severe: because it ignites an uncontrollable rage in the wronged husband.

Meaning of the Verse

The verse states, "For jealousy [is] the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance." This vividly portrays the intense and destructive nature of a husband's jealousy when his marriage vows are broken.

  • "Jealousy [is] the rage of a man": This highlights that jealousy, particularly in the context of infidelity, is not a mild emotion but a burning fury. It's a powerful, consuming anger that can overwhelm reason and self-control.
  • "Therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance": This emphasizes the complete lack of mercy or compassion from the wronged party. When a husband's honor and the sanctity of his marriage are violated, his retribution will be absolute and uncompromising. There will be no room for negotiation, pity, or forgiveness from his side, as further clarified by Proverbs 6:35, which states he "will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "jealousy" is qin'ah (ืงึดื ึฐืึธื”), which can mean zeal, passion, or envy. In this context, it refers to a fierce, protective jealousy over one's marital rights and honor. The word for "rage" is chemah (ื—ึตืžึธื”), signifying intense heat, wrath, or furyโ€”a boiling, uncontrollable anger. This combination powerfully conveys the destructive potential of this emotion.

Key Themes

  • The Destructive Power of Jealousy: The verse underscores how jealousy, especially when tied to betrayal, transforms into a formidable and destructive force.
  • Severe Consequences of Adultery: It reinforces the biblical teaching that adultery carries exceptionally grave repercussions, not only for the adulterer but also for those around them.
  • Unforgiving Retribution: The passage warns that the wronged spouse's desire for vengeance will be merciless, accepting no compensation or appeasement.
  • Importance of Marital Fidelity: Implicitly, the verse highlights the sanctity of marriage and the severe consequences that arise from its violation, serving as a deterrent against infidelity.

Practical Application

Proverbs 6:34 serves as a timeless warning for all generations. It underscores the profound and often irreversible damage caused by infidelity. For those contemplating or engaging in adultery, it's a stark reminder of the intense pain, rage, and desire for retribution that their actions can unleash in the wronged party, far beyond mere social disapproval. For everyone, it reinforces the wisdom of maintaining sexual purity and respecting the sanctity of marriage, a foundational institution in God's design. The verse encourages us to pursue wisdom and uphold the covenant of marriage, understanding that the alternative leads to immense suffering and irreparable harm to individuals, families, and communities.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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].
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