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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 5:20 Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress, or embrace the bosom of a stranger?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/5-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/20_Pro_05_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 5:20 - Avoiding Immorality" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress, or embrace the bosom of a stranger?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/5-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/5-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm" title="Proverbs 5:19">◄</a> Proverbs 5:20 <a href="/proverbs/5-21.htm" title="Proverbs 5:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/5.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/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man&#8217s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman, or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress, or embrace the bosom of a stranger?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, And be embraced in the arms of a seductress?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress, And embrace the breasts of a foreigner?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress And embrace the bosom of a foreigner?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress, And embrace the bosom of a foreigner?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So why should you, my son, be intoxicated with a strange woman And embrace the bosom of a foreign woman?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an immoral woman And embrace the bosom of an outsider (pagan)?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why, my son, would you lose yourself with a forbidden woman or embrace a wayward woman?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why, my son, would you be infatuated with a forbidden woman or embrace the breast of a stranger? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For why shouldest thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, And embrace the bosom of a foreigner?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't go crazy over a woman who is unfaithful to her own husband! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For why shouldest thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Why should you, my son, be intoxicated with an adulterous woman and fondle a loose woman's breast?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Son, why should you give your love to another woman? Why should you prefer the charms of another man's wife? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Why should you be intoxicated by an adulteress, my son, and embrace the bosom of a foreign woman?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress, or embrace the bosom of a stranger?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But why should you be captivated, my son, by an adulteress, and embrace the bosom of a different woman? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And why do you magnify yourself, "" My son, with a stranger? And embrace the bosom of a strange woman?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And why dost thou magnify thyself, My son, with a stranger? And embrace the bosom of a strange woman?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And wherefore, my son, wilt thou wander with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Why art thou seduced, my son, by a strange woman, and art cherished in the bosom of another ? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Why are you seduced, my son, by a strange woman, and why are you kept warm by the bosom of another?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Why then, my son, should you be intoxicated with a stranger, and embrace another woman? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Why should you be intoxicated, my son, by another woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />My son, be not misled by a strange woman, neither embrace the bosom of a strange woman.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not go astray, my son, with an estranged woman, neither embrace the bosom of an estranged woman.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Why then wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, And embrace the bosom of an alien?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Be not intimate with a strange woman, neither fold thyself in the arms of a woman not thine own.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/5-20.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=876" 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/5.htm">Avoiding Immorality</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>A loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: wə·lām·māh (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/7686.htm" title="7686: ṯiš·geh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to stray, usually to mistake, especially to transgress; by extension to reel, be enraptured.">be captivated,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">my son,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2114.htm" title="2114: ḇə·zā·rāh (Prep-b:: Adj-fs) -- A primitive root; to turn aside; hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically to commit adultery.">by an adulteress,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2263.htm" title="2263: ū·ṯə·ḥab·bêq (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjImperf-2ms) -- To clasp, embrace. A primitive root; to clasp.">or embrace</a> <a href="/hebrew/2436.htm" title="2436: ḥêq (N-msc) -- Bosom. Or cheq; and chowq; from an unused root, apparently meaning to inclose; the bosom.">the bosom</a> <a href="/hebrew/5237.htm" title="5237: nā·ḵə·rî·yāh (Adj-fs) -- Foreign, alien. From neker; strange, in a variety of degrees and applications.">of a stranger?</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths.…<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="/proverbs/6-24.htm">Proverbs 6:24-29</a></span><br />to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. / Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. / For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/7-5.htm">Proverbs 7:5-27</a></span><br />that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words. / For at the window of my house I looked through the lattice. / I saw among the simple, I noticed among the youths, a young man lacking judgment, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-18.htm">1 Corinthians 6:18-20</a></span><br />Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. / Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.<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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">Matthew 5:27-28</a></span><br />You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ / But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:3-5</a></span><br />For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; / each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, / not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-2.htm">1 Corinthians 7:2-5</a></span><br />But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. / The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. / The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3-5</a></span><br />But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. / Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. / For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Colossians 3:5-6</a></span><br />Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. / Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-14.htm">Exodus 20:14</a></span><br />You shall not commit adultery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/18-20.htm">Leviticus 18:20</a></span><br />You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-18.htm">Deuteronomy 5:18</a></span><br />You shall not commit adultery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-1.htm">Job 31:1</a></span><br />“I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14-16</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. / Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. / “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And why will you, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?</p><p class="hdg">with</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-16.htm">Proverbs 2:16-19</a></b></br> To deliver thee from the strange woman, <i>even</i> from the stranger <i>which</i> flattereth with her words; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-24.htm">Proverbs 6:24</a></b></br> To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/7-5.htm">Proverbs 7:5</a></b></br> That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger <i>which</i> flattereth with her words.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Adulteress</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-16.htm">Adventuress</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-10.htm">Alien</a> <a href="/psalms/129-7.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/psalms/129-7.htm">Bosom</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm">Captivated</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-8.htm">Embrace</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm">Exhilarated</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-16.htm">Foreigner</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm">Infatuated</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-16.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm">Magnify</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm">Ravished</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-6.htm">Shouldest</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-10.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-10.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-8.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-18.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/6-24.htm">Adulteress</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-24.htm">Adventuress</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-24.htm">Alien</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-17.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-27.htm">Bosom</a> <a href="/songs/7-5.htm">Captivated</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Embrace</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm">Exhilarated</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-5.htm">Foreigner</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm">Infatuated</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-5.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-15.htm">Magnify</a> <a href="/songs/4-9.htm">Ravished</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-7.htm">Shouldest</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-24.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-1.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-3.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-23.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-24.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-9.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/5-1.htm">Solomon exhorts to wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">He shows the mischief of unfaithfulness and riot</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/5-15.htm">He exhorts to contentedness, generosity, and chastity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/5-22.htm">The wicked are overtaken with their own sins</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/5.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/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress</b><br>This phrase addresses the allure and danger of being seduced by an adulteress. In biblical times, adultery was a serious offense, often punishable by death (<a href="/leviticus/20-10.htm">Leviticus 20:10</a>). The term "captivated" suggests being ensnared or entrapped, indicating the powerful and destructive nature of such temptation. The use of "my son" reflects the fatherly advice given throughout Proverbs, emphasizing wisdom and moral integrity. This warning is consistent with the broader biblical theme of fidelity, as seen in the commandment against adultery (<a href="/exodus/20-14.htm">Exodus 20:14</a>) and the call to purity in relationships (<a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:3-5</a>).<p><b>or embrace the bosom of a stranger?</b><br>The "bosom" symbolizes intimacy and affection, which should be reserved for one's spouse. The "stranger" here refers to someone outside the covenant of marriage, highlighting the danger of forming illicit relationships. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, marriage was a sacred covenant, and embracing a stranger would violate this bond. This phrase echoes the wisdom found in <a href="/proverbs/6-27.htm">Proverbs 6:27-29</a>, which warns of the consequences of adultery. The imagery of embracing a stranger also serves as a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness, drawing parallels to Israel's idolatry and the call to remain faithful to God (<a href="/hosea/2-2.htm">Hosea 2:2-5</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/adulteress.htm">Adulteress</a></b><br>Represents a woman who engages in sexual relations outside of marriage. In the context of Proverbs, she symbolizes temptation and moral danger.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/son.htm">Son</a></b><br>The recipient of Solomon's wisdom, often seen as a young man or a disciple seeking guidance.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/stranger.htm">Stranger</a></b><br>In this context, a stranger refers to someone outside the covenant community, often used metaphorically for someone who leads others away from God's path.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where adherence to God's law was central to community life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_heart.htm">Guard Your Heart</a></b><br><a href="/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20</a> calls believers to be vigilant about what captivates their hearts. The allure of sin can be strong, but wisdom calls for discernment and self-control.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_faithfulness.htm">Value of Faithfulness</a></b><br>The verse underscores the importance of faithfulness in relationships, particularly marriage. It serves as a reminder of the covenantal nature of marriage and the need to honor it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_sin.htm">Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Engaging with an adulteress or a stranger leads to spiritual and often physical consequences. Understanding these consequences can motivate believers to pursue righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seek_wisdom.htm">Seek Wisdom</a></b><br>The call to avoid the embrace of a stranger is a call to seek wisdom and understanding, which are found in God's Word and through a relationship with Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a></b><br>Being part of a faith community can provide support and accountability, helping individuals resist temptation and remain faithful.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_watchman_nee_in_christianity.htm">Should you drink from your own cistern?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_lust_defined.htm">How is lust defined?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_committing_adultery_acceptable.htm">Is committing adultery acceptable?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_psychology_and_biblical_counseling_differ.htm">How do psychology and biblical counseling differ?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 20, 21.</span> - <span class="accented">The adulterer to be restrained by the fact of God's omniscience and the Divine punishment.</span> Vers. 20 and 21 should apparently be taken together. The teaching assumes a higher tone, and rises from the lower law which regulates fidelity to the wife, based upon personal attractions, to the higher law, which brings the husband's conduct into relation with the duty he owes to Jehovah. Not merely is his conduct to be regulated by love and affection alone, but it is to be fashioned by the reflection or consciousness that the Supreme Being presides over all, and takes cognizance of human action. Without losing sight that the marriage contract has its own peculiar obligations, the fact is insisted upon that all a man's ways are open to the eyes of the Lord. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And why</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> what inducement is there, what reason can be given, for conjugal infidelity, except the lewd and immoral promptings of the lower nature, except sensuality in its lowest form? <span class="cmt_word">Ravished</span>. The verb <span class="accented">shagah</span> recurs, but in a lower sense, as indicating "the foolish delirium of the libertine hastening after the harlot" (Zockler). <span class="cmt_word">With a strange woman</span> (Hebrew, <span class="accented">b'zarah</span>); <span class="accented">i.e.</span> with a harlot. On <span class="accented">zarah</span>, see <a href="/proverbs/2-16.htm">Proverbs 2:16</a> and Proverbs 7:5. The <span class="accented">b</span>' (<span class="hebrew">בְּ</span>) localizes the sources of the intoxication. <span class="cmt_word">Embrace</span> (Hebrew, <span class="accented">t'khab-bek</span>). On this verb, see <a href="/proverbs/4-8.htm">Proverbs 4:8</a>. <span class="cmt_word">The bosom of a stranger</span> (Hebrew, <span class="accented">kheh nok'riyyah</span>). A parallel expression having the same force as its counterpart. The more usual form of <span class="accented">khek</span> is <span class="accented">kheyk</span>, and means "the bosom" of a person. In <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33</a> it is used of the <span class="accented">lap</span>, and in <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23</a> and Proverbs 21:14 for the <span class="accented">bosom</span> or <span class="accented">folds</span> of a garment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/5-20.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">Why</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלָ֤מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be captivated,</span><br /><span class="heb">תִשְׁגֶּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiš·geh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7686.htm">Strong's 7686: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stray, to mistake, to transgress, to reel, be enraptured</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my son,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְנִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by an adulteress,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְזָרָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·zā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2114.htm">Strong's 2114: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside, to be a, foreigner, strange, profane, to commit adultery</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or embrace</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝תְחַבֵּ֗ק</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ṯə·ḥab·bêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2263.htm">Strong's 2263: </a> </span><span class="str2">To clasp, embrace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the bosom</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵ֣ק</span> <span class="translit">(ḥêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2436.htm">Strong's 2436: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bosom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a stranger?</span><br /><span class="heb">נָכְרִיָּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ḵə·rî·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5237.htm">Strong's 5237: </a> </span><span class="str2">Foreign, alien</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/5-20.htm">Proverbs 5:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/5-20.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 5:20 For why should you my son be (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 5:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 5:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/5-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 5:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 5:21" /></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>