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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />She has abandoned her husband and ignores the covenant she made before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />who abandons the partner of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Who forsakes the companion of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Who leaves the companion of her youth And forgets the covenant of her God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />That leaves the companion of her youth And forgets the covenant of her God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />That leaves the companion of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Who forsakes the close companion of her youth And forgets the covenant of her God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Who leaves the companion (husband) of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />who abandons the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />who abandons the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />That forsaketh the friend of her youth, And forgetteth the covenant of her God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />who breaks her wedding vows and leaves the man she married when she was young. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Which forsaketh the friend of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />who leaves [her husband,]the closest friend of her youth,[and forgets her marriage vows to her God.]<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />who is faithless to her own husband and forgets her sacred vows. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />someone who abandoned the companion of her youth and forgot the covenant of her God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />who abandons the partner of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />who leaves the husband from her younger days, and forgets her marriage covenant made before God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />who forsakes the friend of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Who forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />who forsakes the friend of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Who is forsaking the guide of her youth, "" And has forgotten the covenant of her God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Who is forsaking the guide of her youth, And the covenant of her God hath forgotten.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Forsaking the friend of her youth, and forgetting the covenant of her God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And forsaketh the guide of her youth, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and who leaves behind the Guide of her youth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />One who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />who forsakes the partner of her youth and forgets her sacred covenant;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Who has forsaken the mother of her youth and forgotten the covenant of her God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Who has left the rearing of her childhood and has forgotten the covenant of her God.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />That forsaketh the lord of her youth, And forgetteth the covenant of her God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>of her</i> who has forsaken the instruction of her youth, and forgotten the covenant of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/2-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=312" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm">The Benefits of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ha·‘ō·ze·ḇeṯ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-fs) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">who abandons</a> <a href="/hebrew/441.htm" title="441: ’al·lūp̄ (N-msc) -- Or talluph; from 'alph; familiar; a friend, also gentle; hence, a bullock; and so, a chieftain.">the partner</a> <a href="/hebrew/5271.htm" title="5271: nə·‘ū·re·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Or naur; and nturah; properly, passive participle from na'ar as denominative; youth, the state or the persons.">of her youth</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7911.htm" title="7911: šā·ḵê·ḥāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To forget. Or shakeach; a primitive root; to mislay, i.e. To be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention.">and forgets</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: bə·rîṯ (N-fsc) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">the covenant</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of her God.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>For her house sinks down to death, and her tracks to the departed spirits.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14</a></span><br />Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-20.htm">Jeremiah 3:20</a></span><br />But as a woman may betray her husband, so you have betrayed Me, O house of Israel,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/16-8.htm">Ezekiel 16:8</a></span><br />Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread My cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/3-1.htm">Hosea 3:1</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to me, “Go show love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love to offer raisin cakes to idols.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-5.htm">Isaiah 54:5</a></span><br />For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-32.htm">Jeremiah 31:32</a></span><br />It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/16-59.htm">Ezekiel 16:59</a></span><br />For this is what the Lord GOD says: I will deal with you according to your deeds, since you have despised the oath by breaking the covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/2-19.htm">Hosea 2:19-20</a></span><br />So I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. / And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/62-5.htm">Isaiah 62:5</a></span><br />For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-2.htm">Jeremiah 2:2</a></span><br />“Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-6.htm">Matthew 19:6</a></span><br />So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-9.htm">Mark 10:9</a></span><br />Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">1 Corinthians 7:10-11</a></span><br />To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. / But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Ephesians 5:31-32</a></span><br />“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” / This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Hebrews 13:4</a></span><br />Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Which forsakes the guide of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God.</p><p class="hdg">the guide</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/5-18.htm">Proverbs 5:18</a></b></br> Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/3-4.htm">Jeremiah 3:4</a></b></br> Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou <i>art</i> the guide of my youth?</p><p class="hdg">forgetteth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/16-8.htm">Ezekiel 16:8,59,60</a></b></br> Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time <i>was</i> the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14-16</a></b></br> Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet <i>is</i> she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/111-5.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/psalms/119-63.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/psalms/132-12.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-28.htm">Early</a> <a href="/job/39-15.htm">Forgets</a> <a href="/psalms/137-5.htm">Forgetteth</a> <a href="/psalms/119-176.htm">Forgotten</a> <a href="/job/6-14.htm">Forsakes</a> <a href="/psalms/94-14.htm">Forsaketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-13.htm">Forsaking</a> <a href="/psalms/142-4.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/psalms/143-10.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-26.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-25.htm">Ignored</a> <a href="/psalms/29-9.htm">Leaves</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/revelation/1-9.htm">Partner</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-4.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/17-18.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-26.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-5.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Early</a> <a href="/john/16-21.htm">Forgets</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-7.htm">Forgetteth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Forgotten</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-17.htm">Forsakes</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-17.htm">Forsaketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-17.htm">Forsaking</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-28.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-11.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-34.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Ignored</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-22.htm">Leaves</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-6.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-24.htm">Partner</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-18.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">wisdom promises godliness to her children</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm">and safety from evil company</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-20.htm">and direction in good ways</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>who abandons the partner of her youth</b><br>This phrase refers to a woman who leaves her husband, whom she married in her youth. In ancient Israel, marriages were often arranged at a young age, and the bond between husband and wife was considered sacred and binding. The "partner of her youth" implies a long-standing relationship, emphasizing the gravity of abandoning such a commitment. This concept is echoed in <a href="/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14</a>, where God condemns the breaking of marriage vows. The imagery of a youthful partner also highlights the innocence and purity of the initial relationship, making the act of abandonment more poignant.<p><b>and forgets the covenant of her God</b><br>The "covenant of her God" refers to the sacred vows made before God during the marriage ceremony. In the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, marriage was not only a social contract but also a divine covenant. Forgetting this covenant implies a deliberate turning away from God's commandments and the moral obligations that come with them. This phrase underscores the seriousness of covenant-breaking, which is a recurring theme in the Bible, as seen in Hosea's depiction of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The covenantal language also points to the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness and the expectation of His people to remain faithful in return.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_partner_of_her_youth.htm">The Partner of Her Youth</a></b><br>This phrase refers to the spouse or husband that a woman marries in her younger years. In the context of ancient Israel, marriage was a covenantal relationship, deeply rooted in commitment and faithfulness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_covenant_of_her_god.htm">The Covenant of Her God</a></b><br>This refers to the sacred agreement or promise made before God, often symbolizing the marriage vows. In the Hebrew context, covenants were solemn and binding, involving God as a witness and enforcer of the agreement.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding, warning against the dangers of unfaithfulness and folly.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and religious backdrop of Proverbs, where marriage was not only a personal commitment but also a community and religious covenant.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes teachings on how to live a life pleasing to God, emphasizing moral and ethical conduct.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_marriage.htm">The Sanctity of Marriage</a></b><br>Marriage is a sacred covenant before God, not just a social contract. It requires commitment, faithfulness, and mutual respect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_unfaithfulness.htm">The Consequences of Unfaithfulness</a></b><br>Abandoning one's spouse and breaking the marriage covenant leads to spiritual and relational consequences. It is a departure from God's design and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_wisdom_in_relationships.htm">The Role of Wisdom in Relationships</a></b><br>Wisdom guides us to honor our commitments and live in a way that reflects God's faithfulness. Seeking wisdom helps us maintain healthy and godly relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_remembering_covenants.htm">The Importance of Remembering Covenants</a></b><br>Forgetting the covenant with God leads to moral and spiritual decline. Regularly renewing our commitment to God and our spouse is crucial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_the_witness_of_covenants.htm">God as the Witness of Covenants</a></b><br>God is an active witness in our covenants, holding us accountable. Recognizing His presence in our commitments encourages us to uphold them with integrity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'righteous_scarcely_saved'.htm">What does 'Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_17_and_2_sam_7.htm">How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_emotional_affairs,_and_how_to_avoid.htm">What are emotional affairs and how can they be avoided?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/2_kings_17_34-39__why_did_god_reject_israel.htm">2 Kings 17:34-39 - If God's covenant with Israel was everlasting, how does the text reconcile this with the assertion that He 'rejected all the descendants of Israel?'</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">The guide of her youth.--</span>Or rather, <span class= "ital">friend with whom she has lived in intimacy</span>: that is, the husband of her youth; in other words, her first love. Jeremiah uses the same phrase (<a href="/proverbs/3-4.htm" title="So shall you find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.">Proverbs 3:4</a>). (Comp. "wife of thy youth," <a href="/proverbs/5-18.htm" title="Let your fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of your youth.">Proverbs 5:18</a>; <a href="/malachi/2-14.htm" title="Yet you say, Why? Because the LORD has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously: yet is she your companion, and the wife of your covenant.">Malachi 2:14</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Forgetteth the covenant of her God--</span>i.e., the marriage covenant, made in the presence of God. (Comp. "wife of thy covenant," Mal. <span class= "ital">l.c.</span>)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The guide of her youth</span> (<span class="hebrew">נְעוּרֶיהָ אַלּוּפ</span>, <span class="accented">alluph n'ureyah</span>); properly, <span class="accented">the associate</span> or <span class="accented">companion of her youth.</span> The Hebrew, <span class="hebrew">אָלּוּפ</span> (<span class="accented">alluph</span>), being derived from the root <span class="hebrew">אָלַפ</span>, (<span class="accented">alaph</span>), "to accustom one's self to," or "to be accustomed to" or "familiar with" anyone. The word is rendered as "friend" in <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Proverbs 17:9</a>; <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28</a>; <a href="/micah/7-5.htm">Micah 7:5</a>. The idea of guidance, which is adopted in the Authorized Version, and appears also in the Vulgate <span class="accented">dux.</span> and Targum <span class="accented">ducatus</span>, is a secondary idea, and is derived probably from the relation in which the husband stands to his wife. Various interpretations have been given to the expression. It occurs again in <a href="/jeremiah/3-4.htm">Jeremiah 3:4</a>, where Jehovah applies it to himself, and says, through his prophet, to the religiously adulterous Judah, "Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My Father, thou art the Guide of my youth (<span class="hebrew">אַלּוּפ נְעֻרי</span>, <span class="accented">alluph n'ura</span>)?" It has also been understood as referring to the woman's parents, her father and mother, who were her natural guardians. But the context seems to require that it should be taken as designating her <span class="accented">husband.</span> It will then be the correlative of "the wife of thy youth" of <a href="/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14</a>. <span class="cmt_word">The covenant of her God</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the marriage covenant, called "the covenant of her God," because entered into in his presence. The forsaking of the guide of her youth is essentially bound up with a forgetfulness of the solemn covenant which she had entered into in the presence of God. No specific mention is made in the Pentateuch of any religious ceremony at marriage; yet we may infer, from <a href="/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14, 15</a>, where God is spoken of as "a Witness" between the husband and "the wife of his youth," "the wife of thy covenant," that the marriage contract was solemnized with sacred rites. The Proverbs thus give a high and sacred character to marriage, and so carry on the original idea of the institution which, under the gospel dispensation, developed late the principle of the indissolubility of the marriage tie. It is no objection to this view that the monogamic principle was infringed, and polygamy countenanced. The reason of this latter departure is given in <a href="/deuteronomy/22-28.htm">Deuteronomy 22:28</a> and <a href="/exodus/22-16.htm">Exodus 22:16</a>. The morality of the Proverbs always represents monogamy as the rule, it deprecates illicit intercourse, and discountenances divorce. It is in entire accordance with the seventh commandment. The woman who commits adultery offends, not only against her husband, but against her God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/2-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">who abandons</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֭עֹזֶבֶת</span> <span class="translit">(ha·‘ō·ze·ḇeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, relinquish, permit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the partner</span><br /><span class="heb">אַלּ֣וּף</span> <span class="translit">(’al·lūp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_441.htm">Strong's 441: </a> </span><span class="str2">Familiar, a friend, gentle, a bullock, a chieftain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of her youth</span><br /><span class="heb">נְעוּרֶ֑יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(nə·‘ū·re·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5271.htm">Strong's 5271: </a> </span><span class="str2">Youth, the state, the persons</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and forgets</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁכֵֽחָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(šā·ḵê·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7911.htm">Strong's 7911: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the covenant</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרִ֖ית</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covenant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of her God.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֶ֣יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·he·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/2-17.htm">Proverbs 2:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/2-17.htm">Proverbs 2:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/2-17.htm">Proverbs 2:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/2-17.htm">Proverbs 2:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/2-17.htm">Proverbs 2:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/2-17.htm">Proverbs 2:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/2-17.htm">Proverbs 2:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/2-17.htm">Proverbs 2:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/2-17.htm">Proverbs 2:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/2-17.htm">Proverbs 2:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/2-17.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 2:17 Who forsakes the friend of her youth (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/2-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 2:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 2:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/2-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 2:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 2:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>