Proverbs 7:23
Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.
Original Language Analysis
עַ֤ד
H5704
עַ֤ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
1 of 13
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
חֵ֡ץ
Till a dart
H2671
חֵ֡ץ
Till a dart
Strong's:
H2671
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
כְּֽבֵד֗וֹ
through his liver
H3516
כְּֽבֵד֗וֹ
through his liver
Strong's:
H3516
Word #:
4 of 13
the liver (as the heaviest of the viscera)
כְּמַהֵ֣ר
hasteth
H4116
כְּמַהֵ֣ר
hasteth
Strong's:
H4116
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָ֝דַ֗ע
and knoweth
H3045
יָ֝דַ֗ע
and knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
10 of 13
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 9:12For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.Proverbs 9:18But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
Historical Context
Ancient hunting involved snares and nets for birds, arrows for larger game. Both methods killed prey that approached seeking benefit (food for bird, apparently safe path for game). This illustrates sin's deceptive nature - it offers good (pleasure, satisfaction) while concealing evil (destruction, death). Romans 6:23 teaches: 'The wages of sin is death.' Sin pays, but its wages destroy.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'bait' are you seeing without recognizing the hidden 'snare' behind it?
- How does understanding sin's deceptive offering of good help you resist temptation?
- What 'arrows' or 'snares' have you narrowly avoided, and what does this teach you?
Analysis & Commentary
Till an arrow pierces his liver, as a bird rushes into a snare, not knowing it will cost his life. The Hebrew 'chets' (arrow) and 'pach' (snare/trap) continue destruction imagery. Liver-piercing produces mortal wound. Bird flying into snare seeks food, finds death. Both images emphasize fatal consequences arising from ignorant pursuit of apparent goods. Seduction offers pleasure but delivers death. Fools see bait, not trap.