Proverbs 5:20
And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
Original Language Analysis
וְלָ֤מָּה
H4100
וְלָ֤מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
תִשְׁגֶּ֣ה
be ravished
H7686
תִשְׁגֶּ֣ה
be ravished
Strong's:
H7686
Word #:
2 of 7
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
בְנִ֣י
And why wilt thou my son
H1121
בְנִ֣י
And why wilt thou my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְזָרָ֑ה
with a strange woman
H2114
בְזָרָ֑ה
with a strange woman
Strong's:
H2114
Word #:
4 of 7
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
Historical Context
Proverbs consistently portrays adultery as supreme folly, not just immorality. Wisdom literature emphasizes adultery's irrationality: it promises pleasure while delivering destruction, offers excitement while producing disaster. The question format invites readers to recognize adultery's absurdity rather than merely commanding abstinence.
Questions for Reflection
- What makes sin appealing despite its irrationality and destructive consequences?
- How can you strengthen appreciation for legitimate pleasures to reduce illegitimate temptations?
- What rhetorical questions might you ask yourself to recognize folly before committing it?
Analysis & Commentary
Why be ravished with a strange woman and embrace an adulteress? The rhetorical question expects negative answer: it makes no sense. When marital satisfaction is available, why pursue adultery? The Hebrew 'nekhar' (foreign/strange) describes the outsider, while 'zarah' (strange woman/adulteress) emphasizes covenant violation. Adultery is irrational - forsaking legitimate pleasure for illegitimate destruction.