Proverbs 7:26

KJV

For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong [men] have been slain by her.

KJV (with Strong's)

For she hath cast down {H5307} many {H7227} wounded {H2491}: yea, many strong {H6099} men have been slain {H2026} by her.

Complete Jewish Bible

For many are those she has struck down dead, numerous those she has killed.

Berean Standard Bible

For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number.

American Standard Version

For she hath cast down many wounded: Yea, all her slain are a mighty host.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 7:26 delivers a stark and graphic warning against the destructive power of the "strange woman," personifying illicit sexual temptation. It vividly portrays her as a formidable adversary who brings ruin and death to countless individuals, emphasizing that even those considered strong and resilient are not immune to her seductive and ultimately fatal influence. The verse underscores the severe, often irreversible, consequences of succumbing to folly and immorality, painting a picture of widespread devastation akin to a battlefield where many lie wounded and slain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 7:26 is situated within a lengthy and vivid cautionary narrative (Proverbs 7:6-27) where a father, representing wisdom, meticulously warns his son about the perils of the adulteress. This specific verse serves as the climactic statement regarding the devastating outcome for those ensnared by her. It immediately follows the father's urgent plea in [Proverbs 7:25](/proverbs/7-25 "Proverbs 7:25 - Warning Against the Adulteress") not to let one's heart stray into her ways or wander into her paths. The preceding verses detail her cunning tactics, deceptive words, and alluring appearance, making the consequences described in verse 26 the inevitable culmination of her destructive influence. This narrative is part of a broader section (Proverbs 5-7) that focuses intensely on the dangers of sexual immorality, contrasting it sharply with the life-giving path of wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many patriarchal societies, the family and community structure were paramount. Adultery, particularly by a woman, was a grave offense that threatened the social fabric, lineage, and economic stability of a household. The "strange woman" (often translated as "foreign woman" or "adulteress") could refer to a non-Israelite woman or, more commonly in Proverbs, a woman who deviates from the moral and social norms, particularly regarding marital fidelity. Her actions were seen as a direct assault on the covenant community and the divine order. Wisdom literature, like Proverbs, functioned as practical instruction for living a righteous and prosperous life within this cultural framework, emphasizing the importance of sexual purity, marital faithfulness, and the avoidance of behaviors that could lead to societal breakdown or personal ruin. The imagery of "wounded" and "slain" draws upon the common experience of warfare and its devastating toll, making the consequences of immorality tangible and universally understood.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **Destructive Power of Folly and Sin**, particularly sexual immorality, portraying it not as a minor transgression but as a force capable of inflicting profound and widespread harm, even death. This theme is echoed throughout the book, contrasting the path of the wicked with the path of the righteous, as seen in [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Paths of the Righteous and Wicked"). Secondly, it underscores **Universal Vulnerability**, suggesting that no one, regardless of their perceived strength or status ("many strong men"), is inherently immune to the insidious allure of temptation. This emphasizes the need for constant vigilance and reliance on divine wisdom for protection. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Consequences and Retribution**, illustrating that choices have direct and often severe outcomes. The "strange woman" is not merely a temptress but an agent of destruction, and her victims face dire results, a principle foundational to the wisdom tradition (e.g., [Proverbs 2:18-19](/proverbs/2-18 "Proverbs 2:18-19 - The Path to Death")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast down (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** (H5307) A primitive root meaning "to fall," with a vast array of applications. Here, it is used causatively, meaning "to cause to fall" or "to throw down." In the context of "many wounded," it implies bringing about their downfall, ruin, or destruction, suggesting a powerful and decisive action that leads to a state of being utterly defeated or incapacitated.
* **wounded (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** (H2491) Derived from a root meaning "to pierce," this term refers to someone "pierced (especially to death)" or "slain." Figuratively, it can also mean "polluted." In this verse, it vividly describes the victims as those who have been fatally or severely injured, often implying a violent and decisive blow, akin to a casualty of war.
* **slain (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** (H2026) A primitive root meaning "to smite with deadly intent," "to kill," or "to murder." This word is even more definitive than "wounded," explicitly stating that the "strong men" have met their demise. It emphasizes the fatal outcome of succumbing to the seductress's influence, portraying her as an agent of death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For she hath cast down many wounded:"** This clause presents the initial devastating impact of the "strange woman." The "she" refers to the personified temptation of the adulteress. The action "cast down" (Hebrew _hippîlāh_, from _nâphal_) signifies a forceful, deliberate act of bringing someone low, causing them to fall from a position of strength or integrity into a state of ruin or injury. "Many wounded" (Hebrew _rabbîm ḥalālîm_) emphasizes the widespread nature of her destruction, using imagery of those who are pierced or slain, like casualties on a battlefield. This suggests not just moral failure but profound, often physical or social, devastation.
* **"yea, many strong [men] have been slain by her."** This second clause intensifies the warning, reiterating and amplifying the fatal consequences. The "yea" (Hebrew _wĕ_) introduces an emphatic confirmation. "Many strong [men]" (Hebrew _waʿăṣûmîm rabbîm_) highlights that even individuals of great power, influence, or resilience are not immune to her destructive capabilities. The term "strong" (Hebrew _ʿăṣûmîm_) implies formidable, mighty individuals. The phrase "have been slain" (Hebrew _hărûgêhā_, from _hârag_) definitively states their demise, making it clear that her influence leads to death, whether literal, social, or spiritual. This reinforces the idea that her power is universal and her victims are numerous and diverse.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 7:26 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent warning. **Personification** is central, as the abstract concept of illicit sexual temptation is embodied in the "strange woman," allowing her to act as a cunning, predatory agent of destruction. This makes the threat tangible and relatable. The verse also utilizes **Metaphor** extensively, likening the consequences of succumbing to her to the casualties of warfare. Phrases like "cast down many wounded" and "many strong [men] have been slain" evoke vivid imagery of a battlefield, transforming moral failure into a deadly conflict where victims are left incapacitated or dead. This **Hyperbole** underscores the extreme and often irreversible nature of the damage caused by such sin, elevating its impact beyond mere moral transgression to a matter of life and death. Furthermore, the use of "many" and "strong men" suggests **Synecdoche**, where a part (strong men) represents a larger whole (all who are vulnerable), emphasizing the universal reach of this destructive force.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 7:26 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that sin, particularly sexual immorality, is not a trivial matter but a force with deadly consequences. It aligns with the broader biblical narrative that portrays sin as an enemy that seeks to destroy life and sever relationship with God. The "strange woman" represents the allure of ungodly paths that promise pleasure but deliver ruin, a theme consistent from the Fall in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity") to the warnings in the New Testament. This verse underscores the wisdom tradition's emphasis on righteous living as a path to life and blessing, contrasting it with the path of folly that leads to death and destruction. It serves as a profound reminder that true wisdom involves discerning and fleeing from all forms of temptation that lead away from God's life-giving commands.

* [Proverbs 9:18](/proverbs/9-18 "Proverbs 9:18 - The House of Folly Leads to Death")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 7:26 offers a timeless and sobering warning for all generations. In a world saturated with seductive imagery and messages that normalize or even glorify illicit relationships, this verse serves as a crucial counter-narrative. It reminds us that what appears alluring on the surface often conceals profound danger and devastating consequences. The "strange woman" can be understood not only as literal sexual temptation but also as any seductive force that promises immediate gratification but ultimately leads to spiritual, emotional, relational, and even physical ruin. For believers, this calls for vigilant self-guarding, cultivating discernment to recognize deceptive allure, and actively pursuing wisdom as a shield. It underscores the importance of guarding our hearts, minds, and eyes from anything that would lead us astray from God's path of life and integrity. True freedom and flourishing are found not in chasing fleeting desires but in steadfast adherence to divine truth, which protects us from the "slain" and "wounded" fate of those who fall prey to folly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strange women" or seductive temptations in contemporary society might lead to similar "wounded" or "slain" outcomes?**
* **How does the idea that "many strong men" are vulnerable challenge our own sense of immunity to temptation?**
* **What practical steps can we take to "guard our heart" (Proverbs 4:23) against the subtle and overt deceptions of sin, as warned in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "strange woman" in Proverbs, and does this verse only apply to sexual sin?**

Answer: The "strange woman" (Hebrew: *'ishshah zarah* or *nokriyyah*) in Proverbs primarily refers to an adulteress or a woman who deviates from the moral and social norms of faithfulness within a covenant community. She embodies illicit sexual temptation and the dangers of unchastity. However, while the immediate context is sexual sin, the wisdom literature often uses specific examples to illustrate broader principles. The "strange woman" can also be understood as a powerful symbol of Folly itself, in contrast to Wisdom (personified as a woman in [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Call")). Therefore, the warning in Proverbs 7:26 extends beyond literal sexual immorality to encompass any seductive path of sin or disobedience that promises pleasure but delivers destruction, leading individuals astray from God's life-giving ways. It applies to any temptation that can "cast down" and "slay" one's spiritual vitality, relationships, or overall well-being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 7:26, with its stark portrayal of the "strange woman" as an agent of death, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of true Wisdom. The "strange woman" represents the destructive power of sin and folly, leading humanity to be "wounded" and "slain" by its dominion, as [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death") declares that "the wages of sin is death." Humanity, even the "strongest," was utterly helpless against the spiritual death and separation from God wrought by sin. However, Jesus, as the incarnate Wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), did not merely warn against sin's destructive power; He conquered it. He willingly allowed Himself to be "wounded" and "slain" on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")) to pay the penalty for humanity's sin, thereby disarming the power of death and the grave ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His resurrection, Christ offers life and freedom to all who were "slain" by sin, transforming victims into victors and leading them on the path of true life that the "strange woman" could never offer ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the ultimate Deliverer who rescues us from the fatal embrace of folly and leads us into eternal life.

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

Nehemiah 13:26

Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.

1 Corinthians 10:8

Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

1 Peter 2:11

Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

1 Kings 11:1

¶ But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites;

1 Kings 11:2

Of the nations [concerning] which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: [for] surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.

Proverbs 6:33

A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

2 Samuel 12:9

Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife [to be] thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.