Proverbs 5:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Proverbs 5:16
16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
Chapter Context
Proverbs 5 is a wisdom sayings chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, grace, love. Written during primarily Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature was common in royal courts for training officials.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Proverbs and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Proverbs 5:16
16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
Analysis
Let your fountains be dispersed, and rivers of waters in the streets. This likely ironic statement questions whether sexual capacity should be shared promiscuously. The rhetorical answer (v.17) is no - intimacy should be reserved for marriage. The Hebrew 'palash' (dispersed/spread) describes indiscriminate scattering. Sexual energy is precious resource not to be wasted but carefully directed.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern sexual ethics varied widely, but biblical teaching consistently reserved sexual expression for marriage covenant. Unlike surrounding cultures where temple prostitution and casual sexuality were normalized, Israel's God demanded exclusive sexual faithfulness within marriage as reflection of exclusive covenant faithfulness to Yahweh.
Reflection
- How does biblical sexual ethics contrast with cultural messages about sexual freedom?
- What does it mean to 'disperse' versus 'preserve' sexual energy, and why does it matter?
- How does viewing sexual capacity as precious resource affect your sexual ethics?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Genesis 24:60, Deuteronomy 33:28, Judges 12:9, Psalms 68:26, 127:3, 128:3