Proverbs 7:16

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Proverbs 7:16 is part of a vivid warning against sexual immorality, specifically portraying the enticing words and methods of a seductress. In this verse, the adulterous woman describes the lavish preparations she has made to allure a naive young man into her house, highlighting the material comforts and sensuality she offers.

Context

This verse is spoken by the adulterous woman, often referred to as the "strange woman" or harlot, who is the central figure of the cautionary tale presented in Proverbs chapter 7. The speaker is boasting of the luxurious and sensuous environment she has created in her bed chamber, designed to entice and ensnare her unsuspecting victim. Her words are part of a larger monologue intended to overcome the young man's inhibitions and draw him into sin.

Key Themes

  • The Allure of Sin: The detailed description of "coverings of tapestry," "carved works," and "fine linen of Egypt" emphasizes how sin often presents itself attractively. It promises pleasure, comfort, and luxury, appealing to the senses to mask its destructive consequences.
  • Deceptive Appearances: The opulence described is a facade. What seems beautiful and inviting on the surface leads to ruin and death, as the chapter explicitly warns that "Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death" (Proverbs 7:27).
  • Material Indulgence as a Trap: The verse illustrates how worldly possessions and comforts can be used as tools for temptation, diverting attention from moral uprightness and leading to spiritual and physical downfall.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "decked" (râbad) means to spread out or lay out, indicating a deliberate and thorough preparation of the bed. "Tapestry" (maṭṭaṭṭim) refers to richly woven coverings or carpets, signifying expense and artistry. "Carved [works]" (ḥaṭûbôt) suggests intricate, decorative carvings, likely adorning the bed frame or surrounding furniture, adding to the opulent feel of the chamber.

The phrase "fine linen of Egypt" is particularly significant. Ancient Egypt was renowned for its high-quality linen, which was considered a luxury item, often imported at great cost. Its mention here underscores the extravagance and exotic appeal the seductress employs to create an atmosphere of ultimate comfort and indulgence, designed to lower the young man's resistance.

Practical Application

Proverbs 7:16 serves as a timeless warning that temptations often come cloaked in attractive packaging. Whether it is material comfort, fleeting pleasure, or perceived social status, sin rarely appears overtly repulsive. This verse encourages believers to cultivate discernment, looking beyond superficial allure to understand the true, destructive consequences of immoral choices.

For individuals today, it highlights the importance of guarding one's heart and mind against worldly enticements and deceptive promises. True satisfaction and enduring security are found not in fleeting pleasures or material indulgence, but in pursuing wisdom and righteous living, as consistently taught throughout the book of Proverbs, urging us to get wisdom above all else.

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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

  • Isaiah 19:9 (4 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 27:7 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Song Of Solomon 3:10 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Song Of Solomon 1:16 (2 votes)

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