Proverbs 5:8

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

Original Language Analysis

הַרְחֵ֣ק Remove H7368
הַרְחֵ֣ק Remove
Strong's: H7368
Word #: 1 of 8
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
מֵעָלֶ֣יהָ H5921
מֵעָלֶ֣יהָ
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 2 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דַרְכֶּ֑ךָ thy way H1870
דַרְכֶּ֑ךָ thy way
Strong's: H1870
Word #: 3 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְאַל H408
וְאַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 4 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּ֝קְרַ֗ב from her and come not nigh H7126
תִּ֝קְרַ֗ב from her and come not nigh
Strong's: H7126
Word #: 5 of 8
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 6 of 8
near, with or among; often in general, to
פֶּ֥תַח the door H6607
פֶּ֥תַח the door
Strong's: H6607
Word #: 7 of 8
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
בֵּיתָֽהּ׃ of her house H1004
בֵּיתָֽהּ׃ of her house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 8 of 8
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

Remove your way far from the adulteress, and don't come near her house's door. The imperatives demand radical avoidance - don't merely resist but flee. Joseph's example (Gen 39) demonstrates this wisdom - when faced with sexual temptation, he fled. The specific mention of her door emphasizes avoiding even proximity to temptation. This reflects Reformed understanding that humans are weak; therefore wisdom requires not testing oneself but avoiding danger.

Historical Context

Reflects ancient social structure where visiting a woman's home in her husband's absence created opportunity and suspicion. The command recognizes human weakness requiring environmental safeguards, not just willpower.

Questions for Reflection