Proverbs 5:3
For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִּ֭טֹּפְנָה
woman drop
H5197
תִּ֭טֹּפְנָה
woman drop
Strong's:
H5197
Word #:
3 of 8
to ooze, i.e., distil gradually; by implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by inspiration
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
For the lips
H8193
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
For the lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
4 of 8
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
זָרָ֑ה
of a strange
H2114
זָרָ֑ה
of a strange
Strong's:
H2114
Word #:
5 of 8
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
Cross References
Proverbs 2:16To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;Psalms 55:21The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.Proverbs 7:5That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.Proverbs 7:21With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.Proverbs 6:24To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
Historical Context
Ritual prostitution was common in Canaanite fertility cults, making this temptation culturally prevalent. Solomon warns against both sexual immorality and religious apostasy, often intertwined in ancient Near Eastern contexts.
Questions for Reflection
- What contemporary temptations disguise themselves with initially pleasant appearances?
- How can you develop discernment to see through sin's deceptive promises?
Analysis & Commentary
The strange woman's seduction operates through deceptive speech—honey-sweet words concealing deadly consequences. This illustrates sin's fundamental pattern: promising pleasure while delivering death. Only God's word provides accurate assessment of sin's true nature and eternal ramifications.