Proverbs 5:18
Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
Original Language Analysis
יְהִֽי
H1961
יְהִֽי
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)
מְקוֹרְךָ֥
Let thy fountain
H4726
מְקוֹרְךָ֥
Let thy fountain
Strong's:
H4726
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);
בָר֑וּךְ
be blessed
H1288
בָר֑וּךְ
be blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
3 of 6
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
Historical Context
In ancient Israelite culture, the marriage relationship was celebrated as a divine gift, contrasting with surrounding cultures' views.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing your spouse as God's provision for rejoicing (not merely duty) transform your marriage?
- In what ways does cultural messaging about sexuality conflict with God's design for joyful marital faithfulness?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse commands marital joy and fidelity within God's design. 'Let thy fountain be blessed' (יְהִי־מְקוֹרְךָ בָרוּךְ/yehi-meqorcha baruch) uses 'fountain' as metaphor for one's wife and sexual relationship. 'Rejoice with the wife of thy youth' (וּשְׂמַח מֵאֵשֶׁת נְעוּרֶךָ/usemach me'eshet ne'urecha) commands active delight in marital intimacy. The verb 'samach' (rejoice) is strong—gladness, celebration, joy. Chapter 5 contrasts the destructive path of adultery (vv.1-14) with the satisfying beauty of marital faithfulness (vv.15-23). This verse affirms God's good design for sexuality within marriage, refuting both asceticism (which denigrates marital intimacy) and licentiousness (which pursues it outside marriage's covenant). The wife of one's youth deserves lifelong commitment and joy, not abandonment for younger partners. This reflects covenant faithfulness and God's design for human flourishing.