Proverbs 7:14
I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.
Original Language Analysis
זִבְחֵ֣י
offerings
H2077
זִבְחֵ֣י
offerings
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
שְׁלָמִ֣ים
I have peace
H8002
שְׁלָמִ֣ים
I have peace
Strong's:
H8002
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
עָלָ֑י
H5921
עָלָ֑י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַ֝יּ֗וֹם
with me this day
H3117
הַ֝יּ֗וֹם
with me this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 6
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Cross References
Proverbs 21:27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?Proverbs 15:8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.Leviticus 7:11And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD.
Historical Context
Leviticus 7:11-21 prescribed peace offering procedures. Portions were burned, portions eaten by priests, portions returned to offerers for celebratory meals. These meals could legitimately include guests, but this woman perverts religious practice into seduction pretext. Using religion to facilitate sin represents profound hypocrisy. Jesus condemned Pharisees for similar corruption of piety.
Questions for Reflection
- How might you be using religious activity as cover for sinful intentions?
- What legitimate Christian practices could be perverted into facilitating sin?
- How can you ensure religious observance cultivates genuine holiness rather than providing cover for compromise?
Analysis & Commentary
I had to offer peace offerings; today I've paid my vows. The Hebrew 'zebach shelamim' (peace offerings) and 'shalam neder' (fulfill vows) invoke religious language. The seductress claims piety while planning sin. Portions of peace offerings returned to offerers for celebratory meals, which she uses as pretext for entertaining her target. This illustrates hypocrisy - using religious observance as cover for immorality.