Proverbs 7:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

So she caught {H2388} him, and kissed {H5401} him, and with an impudent {H5810} face {H6440} said {H559} unto him,

Complete Jewish Bible

She grabs him, gives him a kiss, and, brazen-faced, she says to him,

Berean Standard Bible

She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him:

American Standard Version

So she caught him, and kissed him, Andwith an impudent face she said unto him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 7:13 captures a pivotal moment in the seduction narrative, depicting the adulteress's aggressive and unashamed advance upon a naive young man. Having encountered him in the street, she seizes him, kisses him boldly, and then, with a brazen and shameless demeanor, begins to speak her deceptive words, initiating the final phase of her enticement. This verse underscores the direct and impudent nature of temptation, particularly sexual immorality, as it actively seeks to ensnare the unwary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial point within the father's extended warning to his son against the "strange woman" in [Proverbs 7](/proverbs/7 "Proverbs 7 - The Allure of the Adulteress"). The narrative begins with the father's urgent plea to heed wisdom ([Proverbs 7:1-5](/proverbs/7-1 "Proverbs 7:1-5 - Heed Wisdom's Call")), then shifts to a vivid illustration of a young man's folly. From [Proverbs 7:6-9](/proverbs/7-6 "Proverbs 7:6-9 - The Naive Youth's Path"), the scene is set: a naive youth, lacking discernment, wanders near the adulteress's house at twilight. Verses [Proverbs 7:10-12](/proverbs/7-10 "Proverbs 7:10-12 - The Woman's Deceptive Appearance") describe the woman's provocative attire and restless, predatory movements. Verse 13 marks the transition from observation to direct action, as she physically accosts him before launching into her elaborate, manipulative speech in [Proverbs 7:14-20](/proverbs/7-14 "Proverbs 7:14-20 - The Adulteress's Seductive Speech"), ultimately leading to his ruin in [Proverbs 7:21-23](/proverbs/7-21 "Proverbs 7:21-23 - The Path to Destruction").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, public displays of affection, especially by a woman towards an unattached man, were highly unconventional and considered immodest. A woman's place was typically within the confines of her home, and a virtuous woman would not be found "at the corners" or "in the streets" actively seeking men. The "strange woman" (often translated as "foreign woman" or "adulteress") was culturally understood as an outsider, both morally and sometimes ethnically, who threatened the social and spiritual fabric of the community by luring men into illicit sexual relationships. Her brazenness in public, as described in this verse, would have been a shocking and clear indicator of her immoral character, a stark contrast to the expected modesty and discretion of a respectable woman.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 7:13 powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **aggressive temptation**, showing how sin is not merely passive but actively pursues and ensnares its victims, often through physical and emotional manipulation. Secondly, the phrase "impudent face" underscores the theme of **shamelessness and moral depravity**, revealing a character completely devoid of conscience or modesty, which is a hallmark of those who have fully embraced folly over wisdom. This contrasts sharply with the wisdom that calls for integrity and purity ([Proverbs 4:23-27](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23-27 - Guard Your Heart")). Thirdly, the scene emphasizes the **allure and deception of sin**, as the woman's direct physical contact and subsequent words are designed to captivate and disarm the naive, leading them away from the path of life ([Proverbs 2:18-19](/proverbs/2-18 "Proverbs 2:18-19 - The Path to Death")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **caught (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This primitive root means "to fasten upon," "to seize," "to be strong," or "to hold fast." In this context, it denotes a forceful, assertive action. The woman doesn't merely touch or greet; she takes hold of him, indicating a predatory and dominant move. It suggests a physical restraint or capture, making it difficult for the young man to easily disengage.
* **kissed (Hebrew, _nâshaq'_):** A primitive root, identical with a word meaning "to fasten up," indicating a connection or attachment. While literally meaning "to kiss," it can also figuratively imply touching or equipping. Here, it is a deliberate, intimate, and highly suggestive act, designed to break down the young man's defenses and create a false sense of affection or familiarity, further drawing him into her snare.
* **impudent (Hebrew, _ʻâzaz'_):** This primitive root means "to be stout," "to be strong," "to harden," or "to prevail." When combined with "face" (pânîym), as it is here, it signifies a "strong face" or "hardened face," conveying boldness, effrontery, and utter shamelessness. It describes a person who is unblushing, unafraid of public opinion, and completely devoid of moral inhibition or modesty in their actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So she caught him":** This phrase immediately establishes the aggressive and proactive nature of the adulteress. She initiates physical contact, seizing the young man, indicating a deliberate and forceful move rather than a passive encounter. This act demonstrates her predatory intent and the absence of any social inhibition.
* **"and kissed him":** Following the physical capture, she proceeds with an intimate gesture. The kiss is not one of genuine affection but a calculated act of seduction, designed to disarm the young man, create a sense of intimacy, and further draw him into her manipulative scheme. It signifies a crossing of boundaries and a direct appeal to his desires.
* **"and with an impudent face":** This crucial descriptive clause reveals the woman's character. Her "impudent face" (literally "strong face" or "hardened face") signifies a complete lack of shame, modesty, or moral compunction. Her expression is brazen, unblushing, and defiant, indicating a heart that has been hardened by sin and is unafraid to openly pursue wickedness.
* **"said unto him,":** After the physical aggression and intimate gesture, the scene culminates with her verbal assault. The words that follow (in subsequent verses) are the final step in her seduction, where she uses flattery, false promises, and deceptive arguments to lure the young man to his destruction. This phrase sets the stage for the manipulative speech that will seal his fate.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 7:13 is rich in **Imagery**, vividly portraying the woman's aggressive and unashamed actions. The description of her "catching" and "kissing" the young man, immediately followed by the striking detail of her "impudent face," creates a powerful visual of a predator in action. This scene employs **Personification** to a degree, as the woman embodies the very essence of Folly, actively seeking to ensnare Wisdom's disciples. There is a strong sense of **Foreshadowing** in this verse; her brazenness and physical initiation of contact clearly signal the impending moral downfall of the naive youth. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** between the expected modesty of a virtuous woman and the shocking, public display of the adulteress's shamelessness, highlighting the stark difference between the path of wisdom and the path of folly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 7:13 serves as a profound theological warning, illustrating the insidious nature of temptation and the active pursuit of sin. It reveals that evil is not always subtle; sometimes it is bold, direct, and physically aggressive, demanding an equally strong and decisive response of avoidance. The adulteress's "impudent face" signifies a deep spiritual hardening, a conscience seared by repeated transgression, and a complete disregard for divine and human boundaries. This moral brazenness is a dangerous spiritual state, not only for the one who possesses it but also for those they seek to corrupt. The verse underscores the biblical principle that sin, once conceived, actively seeks to birth more sin, and that spiritual discernment is crucial for recognizing and resisting such overt and unashamed advances.

* [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Temptation")
* [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - God Gives Them Over to a Reprobate Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 7:13 offers timeless wisdom for navigating the moral complexities of life, urging us to be acutely aware of the aggressive and deceptive nature of temptation. The adulteress's brazenness serves as a potent reminder that sin often presents itself not as a subtle whisper, but as a bold, direct, and even physically alluring force. This demands that we cultivate a spiritual sensitivity to recognize such advances, whether they come from external sources or internal desires. We are called to develop strong moral boundaries and a discerning spirit, understanding that a lack of shame or a brazen attitude towards sin in others is a significant red flag. Just as the naive young man was caught unaware, we must proactively guard our hearts and minds, choosing to flee from situations and relationships that compromise our integrity rather than engaging with them. This verse challenges us to consider our own responses to temptation: do we stand firm, or are we easily swayed by bold advances and deceptive charm?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might temptation, particularly sexual or morally compromising temptation, present itself aggressively or "impudently" in contemporary society?**
* **How can one cultivate the discernment necessary to recognize and resist such bold advances, even when they seem flattering or appealing?**
* **What are practical steps to "flee" from situations or relationships that exhibit the "impudent face" of sin, as advised by Scripture?**

### FAQ
**Why is the woman's "impudent face" emphasized in this verse?**

Answer: The emphasis on the woman's "impudent face" (Hebrew: `ʻoz panim`) is crucial because it reveals her character and moral state. It signifies a complete lack of shame, modesty, or moral inhibition. In ancient Israelite culture, a virtuous woman would be discreet and modest, especially in public. Her "impudent face" indicates that she has abandoned all social and divine norms, demonstrating a hardened conscience and a brazen disregard for righteousness. This detail serves as a critical warning sign to the naive young man, and to the reader, about the dangerous and unrepentant nature of the temptress. It underscores that she is not merely misguided, but actively and unashamedly engaged in wickedness, making her all the more perilous. This is a characteristic of those who have chosen the path of folly over wisdom, as described throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life").

**How does this verse relate to modern temptations?**

Answer: Proverbs 7:13 remains profoundly relevant in modern times, as the tactics of temptation, though perhaps manifested differently, retain their core nature. Just as the adulteress was bold and unashamed, modern temptations, particularly those related to sexual immorality, often present themselves with an "impudent face" through media, online platforms, and social interactions that normalize or even glorify promiscuity and a lack of moral boundaries. The "catching" and "kissing" can be seen in aggressive online solicitations, manipulative emotional appeals, or direct physical advances that seek to disarm and compromise. The verse warns us that temptation is not always subtle; it can be direct, assertive, and devoid of shame, requiring vigilance and a firm commitment to biblical principles to resist its powerful allure, as cautioned in [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober and Watchful").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 7:13, with its vivid depiction of the adulteress's aggressive and shameless seduction, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound contrast between the alluring but destructive path of sin and the liberating, life-giving way of Christ. The "strange woman" represents the seductive power of the world, the flesh, and the devil, which actively seek to ensnare humanity in spiritual adultery and rebellion against God. Her "impudent face" is the face of unrepentant sin, which brazenly defies God's holiness. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the embodiment of true Wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")), who came not to seduce us into destruction but to rescue us from it. He did not come with an "impudent face" but with a face of perfect humility, obedience, and self-sacrificial love, enduring the shame of the cross to redeem us from our own spiritual folly ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). While the adulteress offers fleeting pleasure that leads to death ([Proverbs 7:27](/proverbs/7-27 "Proverbs 7:27 - Her House is the Way to Hell")), Christ offers abundant and eternal life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Good Shepherd Gives Life Abundantly")). He empowers believers to "flee sexual immorality" ([1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality")) and to walk in purity, providing the Holy Spirit as our guide and strength against the aggressive temptations of the world ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")).

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

Numbers 25:6

¶ And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who [were] weeping [before] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Numbers 25:8

And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.

Genesis 39:12

And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

Ezekiel 2:4

For [they are] impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.

Isaiah 50:7

For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

Revelation 2:20

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Ezekiel 2:6

¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns [be] with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.