Proverbs 7:16

KJV

I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved [works], with fine linen of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have decked {H7234} my bed {H6210} with coverings {H4765} of tapestry, with carved {H2405} works, with fine linen {H330} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I've spread quilts on my couch made of colored Egyptian linen.

Berean Standard Bible

I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linen from Egypt.

American Standard Version

I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, With striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 7:16 forms a vivid detail within the larger cautionary narrative of the adulterous woman, depicting her meticulous and luxurious preparations to ensnare a naive young man. This verse highlights the deceptive allure of sin, which often presents itself cloaked in material comfort, sensual pleasure, and opulent surroundings, designed to appeal to the senses and lower moral resistance, thereby masking its ultimately destructive consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the extended warning against the "strange woman" or adulteress, which spans much of [Proverbs 7](/proverbs/7 "Proverbs 7 - The Adulterous Woman's Trap"). Following the father's earnest exhortation to his son to guard his heart and mind in [Proverbs 7:1-5](/proverbs/7-1 "Proverbs 7:1-5 - Guarding the Heart"), the narrative shifts to a vivid, almost cinematic, portrayal of the seductress in action. The preceding verses ([Proverbs 7:10-15](/proverbs/7-10 "Proverbs 7:10-15 - The Seductress's Approach")) describe her brazen attire, cunning words, and feigned piety, setting the stage for the specific enticements she offers. Verse 16, spoken directly by the woman, details the lavish environment she has created, serving as a material manifestation of her seductive promises and a physical lure to draw the unsuspecting victim into her prepared trap.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern cultures, a woman's bedchamber was a private and intimate space. The description of "coverings of tapestry," "carved works," and "fine linen of Egypt" speaks to a level of luxury and sophistication typically associated with wealth and indulgence. Egypt was renowned for its high-quality linen, a prized commodity imported at considerable expense, symbolizing exotic luxury. Such elaborate furnishings would have been a significant status symbol and a powerful enticement, appealing to a young man's desire for comfort, pleasure, and perhaps even a taste of forbidden opulence beyond his ordinary experience. This context underscores the deliberate and costly effort the seductress undertakes to create an irresistible atmosphere of sensual delight.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 7:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the **deceptive nature of sin**, which rarely appears overtly ugly but rather cloaks itself in attractive, appealing forms, as seen in the alluring descriptions of the bedchamber. This relates to the broader Proverbial theme that "there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" ([Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Deceptive Path")). Secondly, the verse highlights **the power of temptation through material indulgence**, demonstrating how worldly comforts and sensory pleasures can be weaponized to lead individuals astray from wisdom and righteousness. This contrasts sharply with the enduring value of wisdom, which is "more precious than rubies" ([Proverbs 3:15](/proverbs/3-15 "Proverbs 3:15 - The Value of Wisdom")). Finally, it emphasizes the **consequences of moral compromise**, as the seemingly inviting path ultimately leads to ruin, a stark warning echoed throughout the chapter, culminating in the declaration that "her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death" ([Proverbs 7:27](/proverbs/7-27 "Proverbs 7:27 - The Path to Death")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **decked (Hebrew, _râbad'_):** H7234 (râbad) is a primitive root meaning "to spread" or "to lay out." In this context, it signifies a deliberate and thorough preparation, not merely a casual arrangement. The seductress has meticulously spread out and arranged her finest furnishings, indicating a premeditated effort to create an enticing environment.
* **coverings of tapestry (Hebrew, _marbad'_):** H4765 (marbad) is derived from the root râbad, meaning "a coverlet" or "covering of tapestry." This refers to richly woven and often embroidered textiles used to adorn beds or floors. The use of "tapestry" implies a decorative, artistic, and expensive item, contributing significantly to the opulent and inviting atmosphere of the bedchamber.
* **fine linen (Hebrew, _ʼêṭûwn'_):** H330 (ʼêṭûwn) comes from an unused root possibly meaning "to bind," referring to "twisted (yarn), i.e., tapestry" or "fine linen." This specific type of linen, often associated with Egypt, was highly prized for its quality, softness, and purity. Its inclusion signifies extreme luxury and comfort, intended to appeal directly to the young man's senses and promise ultimate physical ease and indulgence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have decked my bed":** This opening clause immediately establishes the speaker's agency and intentionality. The "bed" (Hebrew: `ʻeres`, H6210, a couch or bedstead, often with a canopy) is the focal point, symbolizing intimacy and pleasure. The act of "decking" (Hebrew: `râbad`, H7234) implies a careful, deliberate, and lavish preparation, underscoring the premeditated nature of the seductress's trap.
* **"with coverings of tapestry":** This phrase specifies the primary adornment. "Coverings of tapestry" (Hebrew: `marbad`, H4765) refers to richly woven, often patterned, textiles used as bedspreads or hangings. These would have been costly and visually appealing, contributing to an atmosphere of luxury and sensuality, designed to visually entice and impress the unsuspecting victim.
* **"with carved [works]":** The addition of "carved [works]" (Hebrew: `chăṭubâh`, H2405) suggests intricate decorative elements, likely adorning the bed frame itself or surrounding furniture within the chamber. This detail further emphasizes the opulence and artistry of the setting, appealing to a sense of refined taste and adding to the overall seductive ambiance.
* **"with fine linen of Egypt":** This final detail provides a specific and powerful touch of exotic luxury. "Fine linen" (Hebrew: `ʼêṭûwn`, H330) from "Egypt" (Hebrew: `Mitsrayim`, H4714) was renowned in the ancient world for its superior quality, softness, and purity, making it a highly desirable and expensive commodity. Its inclusion signifies the highest level of comfort, indulgence, and extravagance, completing the picture of a chamber designed to overwhelm the senses and lower all inhibitions.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 7:16 is rich in **Imagery** and **Sensory Language**, painting a vivid picture of the seductress's chamber. Words like "decked," "tapestry," "carved [works]," and "fine linen of Egypt" create a strong visual impression of opulence and comfort. The mention of "fine linen" also evokes a tactile sensation of softness and luxury, appealing directly to the sense of touch. This detailed description serves as a form of **Symbolism**, where the material extravagance of the bedchamber represents the deceptive allure of sin itself—attractive, comfortable, and seemingly harmless on the surface, but concealing a deadly trap. The entire monologue of the seductress, including this verse, can be seen as a form of **Personification** of temptation, embodying sin as an active, cunning, and persuasive agent. The meticulous preparation described also highlights the **Irony** that such beauty and comfort are deployed for destructive, not life-giving, purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 7:16 vividly illustrates how sin often disguises itself in attractive packaging, appealing to our senses and desires for comfort, pleasure, and luxury. This deceptive allure is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, warning believers against the superficial glamour of worldly temptations that promise immediate gratification but lead to spiritual and moral decay. The meticulous preparation of the bedchamber serves as a powerful metaphor for the calculated and strategic nature of temptation, which seeks to ensnare individuals by presenting a façade of desirability.

* [Proverbs 5:3-5](/proverbs/5-3 "The Bitter End of the Adulteress")
* [Proverbs 6:27-29](/proverbs/6-27 "Playing with Fire")
* [Ecclesiastes 2:10-11](/ecclesiastes/2-10 "The Emptiness of Earthly Pursuits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 7:16 offers a timeless and potent warning for believers today. It reminds us that temptation rarely appears overtly evil or repulsive; instead, it often comes cloaked in attractive, comfortable, and seemingly desirable forms. The "coverings of tapestry" and "fine linen of Egypt" represent the myriad ways the world entices us—through promises of material wealth, fleeting pleasures, social status, or even seemingly harmless indulgences. This verse challenges us to cultivate spiritual discernment, to look beyond the superficial allure of worldly enticements and recognize the true, destructive consequences that lie beneath. It calls us to guard our hearts and minds vigilantly, understanding that true satisfaction and lasting security are found not in fleeting pleasures or material indulgence, but in pursuing wisdom, righteousness, and a deep relationship with God. We must ask ourselves what "fine linen" or "tapestry" the world is using to deck its bed for us, and whether we are discerning enough to see the trap.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "fine linens of Egypt" in my own life—the attractive comforts or pleasures that might subtly draw me away from God's wisdom?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to see beyond the superficial allure of temptation?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be susceptible to the "decked bed" of worldly enticements, and what steps can I take to guard my heart?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "fine linen of Egypt" in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "fine linen of Egypt" (H330, H4714) is highly significant because ancient Egypt was renowned for producing the highest quality linen in the ancient world. It was a luxury commodity, highly prized for its softness, purity, and durability, often imported at great cost. By specifying "fine linen of Egypt," the seductress is emphasizing the extreme luxury, comfort, and exotic appeal of her bedchamber. This detail serves to heighten the allure and sensory temptation, promising an unparalleled experience of indulgence to the young man, thereby making her trap seem even more irresistible. It underscores the lengths to which temptation will go to present itself as desirable and opulent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 7:16 vividly portrays the seductive allure of sin embodied by the adulterous woman, its Christ-centered fulfillment points to the ultimate "bed" of rest and satisfaction found not in fleeting worldly pleasures, but in Christ Himself. The seductress offers a temporary, destructive comfort, a "bed" that ultimately leads to death ([Proverbs 7:27](/proverbs/7-27 "Proverbs 7:27 - The Path to Death")). In stark contrast, Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising true rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). He is the true "bridegroom" ([Matthew 9:15](/matthew/9-15 "Matthew 9:15 - The Bridegroom's Presence")) who prepares a spiritual "marriage supper" ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")) for His bride, the Church, adorned not with perishable tapestries or fine linen, but with the righteousness of saints ([Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - The Righteousness of the Saints")). The "fine linen of Egypt" represents a false, material enticement; Christ offers living water that truly satisfies, so that one will "never thirst again" ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13 "John 4:13-14 - The Living Water")). He is the ultimate source of true joy, peace, and eternal life, far surpassing any temporary comfort or pleasure offered by the world's deceptive "decked beds."

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 19:9

Moreover they that work in fine flax, and they that weave networks, shall be confounded.

Ezekiel 27:7

Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered thee.

Revelation 2:22

Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

Song Of Solomon 3:7

¶ Behold his bed, which [is] Solomon's; threescore valiant men [are] about it, of the valiant of Israel.

Song Of Solomon 3:10

He made the pillars thereof [of] silver, the bottom thereof [of] gold, the covering of it [of] purple, the midst thereof being paved [with] love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.

Proverbs 31:22

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing [is] silk and purple.

Song Of Solomon 1:16

Behold, thou [art] fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed [is] green.