Proverbs 2:17
Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
Original Language Analysis
אַלּ֣וּף
the guide
H441
אַלּ֣וּף
the guide
Strong's:
H441
Word #:
2 of 7
familiar; a friend, also gentle; and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)
נְעוּרֶ֑יהָ
of her youth
H5271
נְעוּרֶ֑יהָ
of her youth
Strong's:
H5271
Word #:
3 of 7
(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּרִ֖ית
the covenant
H1285
בְּרִ֖ית
the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
5 of 7
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
Cross References
Jeremiah 3:4Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?Ezekiel 16:8Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.Proverbs 5:18Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern marriage contracts were legal agreements, but Israel's distinctiveness was viewing marriage as sacred covenant before God, not merely civil contract. This theological understanding elevated marriage's permanence and moral seriousness, making adultery not just social offense but religious apostasy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding marriage as covenant before God (not just personal contract) affect your view of commitment?
- In what ways does our culture encourage abandoning covenant commitments when they become difficult?
- What other covenant relationships (church membership, business partnerships) should be viewed with similar seriousness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse identifies the seductress who abandons her covenant obligations. The 'guide of her youth' likely refers to her husband, while 'covenant of her God' indicates marriage's sacred nature. Adultery isn't merely personal betrayal but covenant breaking before God. The theology here is profound: human relationships exist within divine framework, and violations of horizontal covenants simultaneously violate vertical relationship with God. This anticipates Malachi 2:14-16's teaching that marriage is a covenant witnessed by Yahweh.