Proverbs 6:35

KJV

He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

KJV (with Strong's)

He will not regard {H5375}{H6440} any ransom {H3724}; neither will he rest content {H14}, though thou givest many {H7235} gifts {H7810}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he will not accept compensation; he'll refuse every bribe, no matter how large.

Berean Standard Bible

He will not be appeased by any ransom, or persuaded by lavish gifts.

American Standard Version

He will not regard any ransom; Neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:35 delivers a potent and sobering warning against the devastating and often irreversible consequences of adultery. It declares that for the profound offense of violating the marital covenant, no amount of material wealth, financial compensation, or persuasive gifts can appease the deep-seated wrath and sense of betrayal felt by the wronged husband. Unlike other transgressions where restitution might be possible, the unique harm inflicted by infidelity shatters trust and honor in a way that money cannot mend, emphasizing the profound and unappeasable nature of the resulting fury.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to a lengthy and urgent warning against sexual immorality, specifically adultery, which spans from [Proverbs 6:20](/proverbs/6-20 "Proverbs 6:20 - Warning Against Adultery Begins") to [Proverbs 6:35](/proverbs/6-35 "Proverbs 6:35 - The Unappeasable Wrath of the Wronged Husband"). The passage meticulously details the allure, the hidden dangers, and the calamitous outcomes of succumbing to the seductress. Prior to this, the author contrasts the consequences of theft, where a thief, though punished severely, can make restitution and potentially find mercy if caught ([Proverbs 6:30-31](/proverbs/6-30 "Proverbs 6:30-31 - Consequences of Theft")), with the unique and irreparable harm of adultery. The "he" in [Proverbs 6:35](/proverbs/6-35 "Proverbs 6:35 - The Unappeasable Wrath of the Wronged Husband") refers directly to the husband whose wife has been unfaithful, whose fury is portrayed as qualitatively different and unmanageable by conventional means of appeasement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, marriage was not merely a personal contract but a sacred covenant with profound social, familial, and theological implications. Adultery, particularly on the part of the wife, was considered an egregious offense, a profound violation of family honor, lineage purity, and the sanctity of the marital bond, often punishable by death ([Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Punishment for Adultery")). The concept of "honor" was paramount in this culture; a husband's honor was inextricably linked to his wife's fidelity. The betrayal of adultery brought not only personal anguish but also public shame and disgrace upon the husband and his family. This cultural backdrop explains why the wronged husband's anger is depicted as so intense and unappeasable; it stems from a deep wound to his most fundamental social standing and personal integrity, which no financial payment could possibly "cover" or "satisfy."
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. It underscores the theme of **Irreparable Harm**, asserting that certain sins, especially those violating sacred covenants, inflict damage that cannot be undone or compensated for by material means. This contrasts sharply with other offenses where restitution is possible, highlighting the unique severity of sexual sin. It also emphasizes **Unappeasable Wrath**, portraying the offended party's fury as a consuming fire that cannot be quenched by bribes or gifts, reflecting the profound personal injury and public shame involved. Furthermore, it reinforces the **Severe Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating that while some transgressions may have temporal or financial penalties, sexual immorality carries long-lasting and devastating repercussions that affect individuals, families, and reputations. Implicitly, the proverb champions the **Value of Fidelity**, by vividly illustrating the catastrophic outcomes of unfaithfulness, thereby exalting the immense importance and sanctity of marital faithfulness and purity as a cornerstone of societal well-being.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ransom (Hebrew, _kôpher'_):** From H3724, this word properly means "a cover." Figuratively, it refers to a redemption-price, a bribe, or a satisfaction. In the context of Proverbs 6:35, it powerfully conveys that no sum, however great, can "cover" or "atone" for the deep personal offense of adultery in the eyes of the wronged husband. His honor, the sanctity of his marriage, and the profound betrayal are not commodities to be bought off or compensated for with money.
* **rest content (Hebrew, _ʼâbâh'_):** From H14, this primitive root means "to breathe after," and figuratively, "to be acquiescent" or "to be willing." The phrase "he will not rest content" indicates that the wronged husband will not be appeased, softened, or show any willingness to accept a settlement. His wrath is not a temporary fit of pique but a deep-seated, enduring fury that resists all attempts at mollification.
* **gifts (Hebrew, _shachad'_):** From H7810, this term denotes a donation, specifically a venal or redemptive bribe or present. The emphasis on "many gifts" highlights the futility of even a lavish attempt to buy off the husband's anger or gain his forgiveness. It underscores that the damage inflicted by adultery is beyond material repair; it strikes at the core of personal and relational integrity, which is not for sale.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He will not regard any ransom":** This clause establishes the absolute refusal of the wronged husband to accept any form of financial compensation or payment as a means of reconciliation or appeasement. The term "ransom" (kôpher) implies a payment intended to cover, atone for, or release from a penalty. The declaration that he "will not regard" (nâsâ' pânîym - literally, "lift up the face to," implying acceptance or favor) signifies a complete rejection of any material offer, emphasizing that the injury is not financial but deeply personal and irreparable.
* **"neither will he rest content":** This phrase reinforces the unyielding nature of the husband's wrath. "Rest content" (ʼâbâh) implies acquiescence, willingness, or satisfaction. The negation here means that no matter what is offered, his anger will not be assuaged, nor will his desire for justice or vengeance be satisfied. His emotional and moral outrage remains unyielding, indicating a wound that transcends material remedies.
* **"though thou givest many gifts":** This final clause underscores the futility of even lavish attempts at appeasement. The "gifts" (shachad) refer to bribes or presents, and "many" (râbâh) emphasizes the quantity and generosity of such offerings. Despite the potential for a large sum or numerous valuable items, the verse declares that such efforts will be utterly in vain. The profound betrayal and dishonor inflicted by adultery cannot be "bought off" or smoothed over with material possessions, no matter how substantial.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:35 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its stark message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the absolute terms "not regard any ransom" and "neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts," exaggerating the husband's unappeasable wrath to emphasize the extreme gravity of adultery. This exaggeration serves to underscore that the offense is beyond any earthly compensation. The passage also utilizes **Contrast**, particularly when read in conjunction with the preceding verses about theft ([Proverbs 6:30-31](/proverbs/6-30 "Proverbs 6:30-31 - Restitution for Theft")), where restitution is possible. This contrast highlights the unique and irreparable nature of the harm caused by adultery. Furthermore, the portrayal of the husband's anger as an unyielding, unquenchable force can be seen as a form of **Personification** or **Metaphor**, giving the abstract emotion a tangible, unyielding quality that defies all attempts at mollification. The cumulative effect of these devices is to impress upon the reader the profound and devastating consequences of sexual immorality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:35 highlights a crucial theological principle: certain sins carry consequences so profound that they defy human attempts at restitution or appeasement. While the Old Testament legal system provided for financial restitution for many offenses, adultery is presented as an offense against a sacred covenant, an act of profound betrayal that wounds the very fabric of personal honor and relational trust in a way that money cannot mend. This reflects a divine order where not all wrongs are quantifiable or rectifiable by material means, underscoring the spiritual and relational depth of sin. It implicitly points to the sanctity of vows and the seriousness with which God views covenant faithfulness, whether in marriage or in the broader relationship between God and His people.

* [Malachi 2:14-16](/malachi/2-14 "Malachi 2:14-16 - God Hates Divorce and Treachery") - God's strong condemnation of treachery against one's spouse, emphasizing the covenant nature of marriage.
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable") - The New Testament affirmation that marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
* [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality") - A New Testament command to flee sexual immorality, because "every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:35 serves as a timeless and stark warning, urging us to grasp the profound gravity of sexual sin, particularly adultery. It teaches us that some wounds, especially those inflicted through covenant betrayal, run so deep that no earthly payment or apology can fully heal them. This should instill in us a profound respect for the sanctity of marriage and a fervent commitment to fidelity, not merely as a moral ideal but as a practical safeguard against immense pain and destruction for all involved. The proverb calls us to exercise wisdom and self-control, recognizing that preventing sin is infinitely preferable to facing its devastating and often irreversible consequences. It challenges us to consider the long-term relational and spiritual fallout of our choices, understanding that while God's grace offers forgiveness, the natural consequences of sin can leave lasting scars that no human effort can entirely erase.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "unappeasable wrath" of the wronged husband in this proverb deepen your appreciation for the sanctity of marriage and fidelity?**
* **In what ways does this proverb challenge a casual view of sexual sin or the belief that all wrongs can be easily rectified?**
* **What practical steps can you take to guard your heart and mind against temptations that could lead to such devastating consequences?**
* **How might this proverb inform your understanding of forgiveness, both giving and receiving, in situations where deep betrayal has occurred?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb mean that forgiveness is impossible for adultery?**

Answer: Proverbs 6:35 speaks specifically to the human, natural consequence of adultery—the unappeasable wrath of the wronged spouse, implying that no material payment can satisfy their profound sense of betrayal and dishonor. It highlights the unique and deeply personal nature of this offense. While human forgiveness in such extreme circumstances can be incredibly difficult, and often the relationship may not be fully restored to its prior state, the proverb does not speak to divine forgiveness. From a theological perspective, God's forgiveness is always available to the truly repentant sinner through Christ, regardless of the sin's severity. However, even with divine forgiveness, the natural consequences and relational damage of adultery often remain, as this proverb powerfully illustrates.

**Is the "ransom" mentioned here related to the concept of atonement in the Bible?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "ransom" (H3724, _kôpher_) in Proverbs 6:35 is indeed the same root word used in other contexts for atonement or covering, such as the "atonement money" in [Exodus 30:12](/exodus/30-12 "Exodus 30:12 - Atonement Money for the Census") or the "pitch" used to cover Noah's ark ([Genesis 6:14](/genesis/6-14 "Genesis 6:14 - Noah's Ark and Pitch")). In this proverb, its use emphasizes that no humanly devised "covering" or payment can atone for the profound violation of adultery in the eyes of the offended party. This underscores the unique nature of the offense. While the concept of _kôpher_ can relate to atonement, here it highlights the *inadequacy* of human attempts at restitution for this specific sin, setting the stage for understanding the ultimate, divine "ransom" that *does* effectively atone for sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:35, with its depiction of unappeasable wrath and the futility of human "ransom," profoundly foreshadows the ultimate problem of humanity's sin against a holy God. Just as no amount of money or gifts could appease the wronged husband's fury for the violation of his covenant, so too no human effort, good deed, or material sacrifice could ever atone for humanity's rebellion and betrayal of God's perfect covenant. The "ransom" (kôpher) that is insufficient for human betrayal points to the absolute necessity of a divine solution for our sin against the infinitely holy God. The New Testament reveals that the wrath of God against sin is indeed real and unappeasable by human means ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")). However, God, in His infinite love, provided the ultimate and perfect "ransom" through His Son, Jesus Christ. Christ's sacrificial death on the cross serves as the propitiation, the "covering" that satisfies God's righteous wrath against sin ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation"); [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ, the Propitiation for Our Sins")). He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), paying a price that no human could ever offer ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve and Give His Life as a Ransom")). Thus, while the proverb highlights an unpayable human debt, it subtly prepares the heart to receive the glorious truth that for our infinitely greater debt to God, a perfect, divine "ransom" has indeed been paid, making reconciliation and peace possible for all who believe ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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

Isaiah 2:9

And the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not.

Proverbs 4:3

For I was my father's son, tender and only [beloved] in the sight of my mother.

Proverbs 7:13

So she caught him, and kissed him, [and] with an impudent face said unto him,

Proverbs 8:25

Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

2 Kings 5:1

¶ Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, [but he was] a leper.

Malachi 2:9

Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.