Proverbs 7:26
For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רַבִּ֣ים
many
H7227
רַבִּ֣ים
many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
2 of 7
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
חֲלָלִ֣ים
wounded
H2491
חֲלָלִ֣ים
wounded
Strong's:
H2491
Word #:
3 of 7
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
הִפִּ֑ילָה
For she hath cast down
H5307
הִפִּ֑ילָה
For she hath cast down
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
4 of 7
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
וַ֝עֲצֻמִ֗ים
yea many strong
H6099
וַ֝עֲצֻמִ֗ים
yea many strong
Strong's:
H6099
Word #:
5 of 7
powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous
Historical Context
Biblical history confirms this warning: Samson, David, Solomon - all powerful men destroyed or damaged by sexual sin. First Corinthians 10:12 warns: 'Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.' Overconfidence precedes downfall. Sexual temptation humbles the proudest, strongest, wisest. Only humble vigilance provides safety.
Questions for Reflection
- What examples from Scripture and history warn you against presuming on your own strength?
- How does recognizing that 'strong men' fall to sexual sin affect your own vigilance?
- What humility and accountability would protect you from overconfident vulnerability?
Analysis & Commentary
For she has cast down many wounded; numerous are her slain. The Hebrew 'naphal' (fall/cast down) and 'chalal' (slain/pierced) describe casualties of sexual sin. This isn't isolated incident but pattern - many wounded, strong men slain. Sexual temptation destroys broadly and consistently. No one is immune; the strong fall as easily as the weak. This warns: don't presume on your strength; many stronger have fallen.