Proverbs 5:17

Authorized King James Version

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Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.

Original Language Analysis

יִֽהְיוּ H1961
יִֽהְיוּ
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 6
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְךָ֥ H0
לְךָ֥
Strong's: H0
Word #: 2 of 6
לְבַדֶּ֑ךָ H905
לְבַדֶּ֑ךָ
Strong's: H905
Word #: 3 of 6
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
וְאֵ֖ין H369
וְאֵ֖ין
Strong's: H369
Word #: 4 of 6
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
לְזָרִ֣ים Let them be only thine own and not strangers H2114
לְזָרִ֣ים Let them be only thine own and not strangers
Strong's: H2114
Word #: 5 of 6
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
אִתָּֽךְ׃ H854
אִתָּֽךְ׃
Strong's: H854
Word #: 6 of 6
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

Analysis & Commentary

Let sexual intimacy be yours alone, not shared with strangers. The Hebrew 'zur' (stranger/outsider) indicates those outside covenant marriage relationship. This verse answers v.16's rhetorical question: no, don't disperse your fountains; keep them exclusive. Sexual intimacy belongs within marriage exclusively. Sharing what should be private violates intimacy's nature and degrades what should be sacred.

Historical Context

Marriage covenant created exclusive sexual rights - adultery violated not just morality but contractual obligations. The seventh commandment ('Thou shalt not commit adultery') protected marriage's exclusivity. Jesus intensified this, condemning even lustful thoughts as heart-adultery (Matthew 5:27-28). Paul taught that bodies belong to spouses, not to self or others (1 Corinthians 7:3-5).

Questions for Reflection