Proverbs 23:27
For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Sexual immorality pervaded ancient Near Eastern cultures. Canaanite religion practiced ritual prostitution (Deuteronomy 23:17). Surrounding nations lacked Israel's sexual ethics. The law commanded death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10), underscoring its gravity. Despite this, Israel repeatedly fell into sexual sin—often linked to idolatry (Numbers 25:1-3; 1 Kings 11:1-8). Prophets used marriage imagery for God's covenant with Israel, portraying idolatry as adultery (Hosea 1-3; Jeremiah 3:1-10; Ezekiel 16). In Greco-Roman culture, sexual immorality was normative. Prostitution, homosexuality, and adultery were culturally accepted. Christians' sexual purity was countercultural and attracted criticism. Paul's letters repeatedly address sexual ethics (1 Corinthians 5-7; Ephesians 5:3-12; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8), calling believers to holiness. The early church maintained strict sexual standards as witness to transformed lives.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'guardrails' protect you from sexual temptation in a pornographic culture?
- If you've fallen into sexual sin, do you understand that Christ offers complete forgiveness and transformation?
- How can you pursue or maintain sexual purity as witness to the gospel's transforming power?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse employs stark imagery to warn against sexual immorality. 'A whore is a deep ditch' (כִּי־שׁוּחָה עֲמֻקָּה זוֹנָה/ki-shuchah amuqqah zonah, for a deep pit is a prostitute) and 'a strange woman is a narrow pit' (וּבְאֵר צָרָה נָכְרִיָּה/uv'er tzarah nokhriyyah, a narrow well is an adulteress) depict sexual sin as a trap from which escape is nearly impossible. The 'deep ditch' suggests falling in is easy but climbing out extraordinarily difficult. The 'narrow pit' intensifies this—confined space makes escape even more hopeless. This echoes 22:14 and reflects Proverbs' consistent warnings against sexual immorality (2:16-19; 5:3-23; 6:24-35; 7:6-27; 23:28). Sexual sin uniquely enslaves (1 Corinthians 6:18). It destroys marriages, families, reputations, health, and spiritual vitality. Yet Christ offers hope—He welcomed and transformed sexual sinners (Luke 7:36-50; John 4:1-42; 8:1-11). The gospel promises: 'such were some of you: but ye are washed' (1 Corinthians 6:11).