Proverbs 23:28
She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Proverbs 7 provides extended narrative of the adulteress hunting a foolish young man. She dresses provocatively, speaks seductively, and leads him 'as an ox goeth to the slaughter' (Proverbs 7:22). This wasn't hypothetical but depicted real danger in ancient cities. Without modern safeguards—streetlights, policing, social accountability—nighttime urban areas were dangerous. The 'strange woman' appears throughout Proverbs as archetypal danger (2:16-19; 5:3-23; 6:24-35; 7:6-27; 9:13-18; 22:14; 23:27-28). In the Greco-Roman world, prostitution was institutionalized and ubiquitous. Paul's converts came from sexually corrupt cultures. His commands to flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3) addressed real, pervasive temptation. Modern pornographic culture creates similar dangers—predatory sexual imagery lies in ambush through screens, requiring vigilance and accountability.
Questions for Reflection
- What situations or relationships put you in 'ambush' range of sexual temptation, and how can you eliminate exposure?
- How does viewing sexual temptation as predatory rather than recreational change your approach to purity?
- What accountability structures protect you from becoming one who 'increases transgressors' through sin or enabling others' sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse continues the previous warning, depicting sexual immorality as predatory. 'She also lieth in wait as for a prey' (אַף־הִיא כְּחֶתֶף תֶּאֱרֹב/af-hi kechetef te'erov, indeed she lies in ambush like a robber) portrays the adulteress as hunter stalking victims. This isn't mutual consent but predatory destruction. 'Increaseth the transgressors among men' (וּבוֹגְדִים בְּאָדָם תּוֹסִף/uvogedim be'adam tosif, she increases the treacherous/faithless among mankind) reveals sexual sin's multiplying effect. One adulterous person corrupts many, spreading unfaithfulness like contagion. This echoes the 'strange woman' passages in Proverbs 7, where she hunts young men to their destruction. Sexual temptation often appears as opportunity but is actually ambush. Joseph understood this when Potiphar's wife propositioned him—he fled (Genesis 39:12). Paul commanded: 'Flee fornication' (1 Corinthians 6:18). Resistance requires recognizing the danger and actively fleeing, not flirting with temptation.