Proverbs 5:4
But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.
Original Language Analysis
וְֽ֭אַחֲרִיתָהּ
But her end
H319
וְֽ֭אַחֲרִיתָהּ
But her end
Strong's:
H319
Word #:
1 of 6
the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity
מָרָ֣ה
is bitter
H4751
מָרָ֣ה
is bitter
Strong's:
H4751
Word #:
2 of 6
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
כַֽלַּעֲנָ֑ה
as wormwood
H3939
כַֽלַּעֲנָ֑ה
as wormwood
Strong's:
H3939
Word #:
3 of 6
wormwood (regarded as poisonous, and therefore accursed)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 7:26And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.Psalms 57:4My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.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.Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Proverbs 9:18But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
Historical Context
Part of extended warning against adultery (ch.5), one of wisdom literature's recurring themes. Ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions also warned against sexual immorality, but Israel grounded this in covenant faithfulness to God.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'sweet' temptations are you pursuing that will end in bitterness if not resisted?
- How does remembering sin's bitter end strengthen your resolve against present temptation?
Analysis & Commentary
The adulteress's end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. What began with honey-sweetness (v.3) ends in bitterness and death. The two-edged sword imagery emphasizes fatal consequences - sexual sin kills spiritually and often physically through disease, violence, and destruction of relationships. The contrast between initial pleasure and ultimate pain exposes sin's deceptive nature.