Proverbs 6:29

So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

So he that goeth in {H935} to his neighbour's {H7453} wife {H802}; whosoever toucheth {H5060} her shall not be innocent {H5352}.

So is he who has sex with his neighbor's wife; anyone touching her will be punished.

So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.

So he that goeth in to his neighbor’s wife; Whosoever toucheth her shall not be unpunished.

Commentary

Proverbs 6:29 delivers a stark warning against the sin of adultery, specifically targeting a man who engages in sexual relations with his neighbor's wife. The verse unequivocally states that "whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent," emphasizing the certainty of guilt and the inevitability of consequences for such a transgression.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Proverbs 6 (verses 20-35) where Solomon, the wise teacher, issues strong warnings against various destructive behaviors, including sloth, suretyship, and particularly, sexual immorality. The passage immediately preceding this verse details the seductive allure of the adulteress and the blindness of those who fall prey to her. Proverbs 6:29 serves as a definitive declaration of the guilt associated with this act, setting the stage for the severe consequences outlined in the following verses, such as the destruction of one's own soul and reputation.

Key Themes

  • The Gravity of Adultery: The verse highlights the extreme seriousness of violating the marital covenant, equating it with an act that carries inherent guilt and cannot be excused.
  • Inevitable Consequences: The phrase "shall not be innocent" underscores that there is no escape from the repercussions of this sin. Unlike theft, which might involve restitution (as mentioned in Proverbs 6:31), adultery leaves an indelible stain and brings unavoidable judgment.
  • Sanctity of Marriage: By warning against violating a neighbor's wife, the verse implicitly upholds the sacredness of the marital bond and the importance of fidelity within the community. This aligns with the Seventh Commandment: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
  • Moral Accountability: It emphasizes personal responsibility for one's actions and the certainty of facing divine and societal judgment for moral transgressions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shall not be innocent" translates the Hebrew word naqah (נָקָה), which means to be clean, acquitted, unpunished, or blameless. In this context, the negative "shall not be innocent" emphatically means that the person will not be acquitted; they will not be unpunished; they will certainly be held guilty and suffer consequences. It implies a definitive judgment, leaving no room for a plea of innocence or escape from accountability.

Practical Application

Proverbs 6:29 serves as a timeless reminder of the destructive nature of infidelity and the importance of upholding moral purity. For believers today, it reinforces the value of marital fidelity and the severe spiritual, emotional, and social consequences of adultery. It encourages individuals to guard their hearts and minds, understanding that sin, especially sexual sin, carries its own inescapable penalties. Jesus Himself broadened the scope of this warning to include lustful thoughts, emphasizing the importance of purity of heart as well as action. Ultimately, this verse calls for reverence for God's laws and respect for the sanctity of marriage, knowing that God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

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

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 7:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman.

  • Malachi 3:5 (2 votes)

    And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • 2 Samuel 16:21 (2 votes)

    And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that [are] with thee be strong.

  • 2 Samuel 11:3 (2 votes)

    And David sent and enquired after the woman. And [one] said, [Is] not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

  • 2 Samuel 11:4 (2 votes)

    And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.

  • 2 Samuel 12:9 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Samuel 12:10 (2 votes)

    Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.