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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 7:23 until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare--not knowing it will cost him his life.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/7-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/20_Pro_07_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 7:23 - Warnings about the Adulteress" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare--not knowing it will cost him his life." /><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/7-23.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/7-23.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/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 23</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="/ad3.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/7-22.htm" title="Proverbs 7:22">◄</a> Proverbs 7:23 <a href="/proverbs/7-24.htm" title="Proverbs 7:24">►</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/7.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/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare—not knowing it will cost him his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it <i>is</i> for his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it <i>would cost</i> his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hurries to the snare, So he does not know that it <i>will cost him</i> his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hastens to the snare, So he does not know that it will cost him his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hastens to the snare, So he does not know that it <i>will cost him</i> his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hastens to the snare, And he does not know that it <i>will cost him</i> his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Until an arrow pierced his liver [with a mortal wound]; Like a bird fluttering straight into the net, He did not know that it <i>would cost</i> him his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />until an arrow pierces its liver, like a bird darting into a snare — he doesn’t know it will cost him his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />until an arrow pierces its liver, like a bird darting into a snare— he doesn&#8217t know it will cost him his life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Till an arrow strike through his liver; As a bird hasteth to the snare, And knoweth not that it is for his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and killed with arrows. He was no more than a bird rushing into a trap, without knowing it would cost him his life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Till an arrow strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />until an arrow pierces his heart, like a bird darting into a trap. He does not realize that it will cost him his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />where an arrow would pierce its heart. He was like a bird going into a net--he did not know that his life was in danger. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />until an arrow pierces his liver. As a bird darts into a snare, he doesn't realize his fatal decision. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare?not knowing it will cost him his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />till an arrow pierces his liver--like a bird hurrying into a trap, and he does not know that it will cost him his life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Until an arrow strikes through his liver, as a bird hurries to the snare, and doesn't know that it will cost his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Till a dart striketh through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Until an arrow strikes through his liver, as a bird hurries to the snare, and doesn’t know that it will cost his life. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Until an arrow splits his liver, "" As a bird has hurried to a snare, "" And has not known that it [is] for its life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Till an arrow doth split his liver, As a bird hath hastened unto a snare, And hath not known that it is for its life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Till an arrow shall cleave his liver; as a bird hastening to the snare, and not knowing that it is for his soul.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Till the arrow pierce his liver: as if a bird should make haste to the snare, and knoweth not that his life is in danger. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />until the arrow pierces his liver. It is just as if a bird were to hurry into the snare. And he does not know that his actions endanger his own soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />till an arrow pierces its liver; Like a bird that rushes into a snare, unaware that his life is at stake. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />until an arrow pierces its entrails. He is like a bird rushing into a snare, not knowing that it will cost him his life.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And as a stag whose liver is pierced with an arrow, as a bird hastens to the snare, and does not know that he goes to his death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And like a stag when an arrow flies into its liver, he hastens like a living bird to a snare, and does not know that it is to the death of his soul that he goes.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Till an arrow strike through his liver; As a bird hasteneth to the snare-- And knoweth not that it is at the cost of his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and he hastens as a bird into a snare, not knowing that he is running for <i>his</i> life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/7-23.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=1262" 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/7.htm">Warnings about the Adulteress</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap, <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/2671.htm" title="2671: ḥêṣ (N-ms) -- From chatsats; properly, a piercer, i.e. An arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear.">an arrow</a> <a href="/hebrew/6398.htm" title="6398: yə·p̄al·laḥ (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To cleave. A primitive root; to slice, i.e. Break open or pierce.">pierces</a> <a href="/hebrew/3516.htm" title="3516: kə·ḇê·ḏōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Liver. The same as kabed; the liver.">his liver,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6833.htm" title="6833: ṣip·pō·wr (N-cs) -- A bird. Or tsippor; from tsaphar; a little bird.">like a bird</a> <a href="/hebrew/4116.htm" title="4116: kə·ma·hêr (Prep-k:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To hasten. A primitive root; properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e. to hurry; often used adverbially, promptly.">darting</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">into</a> <a href="/hebrew/6341.htm" title="6341: pāḥ (N-ms) -- A, sheet, a spring net. From pachach; a sheet; also a spring net.">a snare—</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knowing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">it</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: ḇə·nap̄·šōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">will cost him his life.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Now, my sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth.…<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/5-22.htm">Proverbs 5:22-23</a></span><br />The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him. / He dies for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12</a></span><br />For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Proverbs 6:32</a></span><br />He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-18.htm">Proverbs 9:18</a></span><br />But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-5.htm">Proverbs 22:5</a></span><br />Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17-18</a></span><br />How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it! / But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-26.htm">Jeremiah 5:26</a></span><br />For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/7-11.htm">Hosea 7:11-12</a></span><br />So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove—calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria. / As they go, I will spread My net over them; I will bring them down like birds of the air. I will chastise them when I hear them flocking together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/91-3.htm">Psalm 91:3</a></span><br />Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a></span><br />He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a></span><br />Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a></span><br />For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a></span><br />But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">2 Peter 2:12</a></span><br />These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hastens to the snare, and knows not that it is for his life.</p><p class="hdg">a dart</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/25-8.htm">Numbers 25:8,9</a></b></br> And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel… </p><p class="hdg">as a bird</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17</a></b></br> Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:12</a></b></br> For 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 <i>are</i> the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.</p><p class="hdg">knoweth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-18.htm">Proverbs 9:18</a></b></br> But he knoweth not that the dead <i>are</i> there; <i>and that</i> her guests <i>are</i> in the depths of hell.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/91-5.htm">Arrow</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-5.htm">Bird</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Cost</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-25.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/job/41-26.htm">Dart</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-13.htm">Darting</a> <a href="/leviticus/9-19.htm">Entrails</a> <a href="/psalms/145-14.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/psalms/119-60.htm">Hastened</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-14.htm">Hasteneth</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-3.htm">Hastens</a> <a href="/job/40-23.htm">Hasteth</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-14.htm">Hurries</a> <a href="/job/20-25.htm">Liver</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-5.htm">Net</a> <a href="/job/30-17.htm">Pierces</a> <a href="/job/41-20.htm">Rushes</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-5.htm">Snare</a> <a href="/psalms/78-15.htm">Split</a> <a href="/psalms/144-5.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-27.htm">Strikes</a> <a href="/job/34-26.htm">Striketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Thought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/25-18.htm">Arrow</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-2.htm">Bird</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-7.htm">Cost</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/nahum/2-4.htm">Dart</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-2.htm">Darting</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-17.htm">Entrails</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-13.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Hastened</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-22.htm">Hasteneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-20.htm">Hastens</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">Hasteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">Hurries</a> <a href="/lamentations/2-11.htm">Liver</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-12.htm">Net</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm">Pierces</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Rushes</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-13.htm">Snare</a> <a href="/songs/4-3.htm">Split</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-18.htm">Strikes</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Striketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm">Thought</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/7-1.htm">Solomon persuades to a sincere and kind familiarity with wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/7-6.htm">In an example of his own experience he shows</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/7-10.htm">the cunning of a harlot</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">and the desperate simplicity of a young wanton</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/7-24.htm">He detests such wickedness</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/7.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/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>until an arrow pierces his liver</b><br>In ancient times, the liver was often considered the seat of life and emotions. The imagery of an arrow piercing the liver suggests a sudden and fatal blow, symbolizing the consequences of succumbing to temptation. This phrase highlights the deadly nature of sin, echoing the biblical theme that sin leads to death (<a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a>). The arrow represents the inevitable judgment and consequences that follow sinful actions, reminiscent of the swift and certain justice seen throughout the Old Testament.<p><b>like a bird darting into a snare</b><br>This simile illustrates the naivety and impulsiveness of one who falls into temptation. Birds, often used in biblical literature to symbolize innocence or vulnerability, are unaware of the danger until it is too late. This imagery is consistent with other biblical warnings about the deceptive nature of sin (<a href="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a>). The snare represents the traps set by sin and temptation, which are often hidden and alluring, leading to spiritual entrapment and destruction.<p><b>not knowing it will cost him his life</b><br>This phrase underscores the ignorance and blindness of those who pursue sinful paths. It serves as a warning about the ultimate cost of sin, which is spiritual death and separation from God. This echoes the teachings of Jesus, who warned about the broad path leading to destruction (<a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a>). The lack of awareness or understanding of the consequences is a common theme in wisdom literature, emphasizing the need for discernment and the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_young_man.htm">The Young Man</a></b><br>The primary subject of <a href="/bsb/proverbs/7.htm">Proverbs 7</a>, representing those who lack wisdom and discernment, easily led astray by temptation.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_seductress.htm">The Seductress</a></b><br>A metaphor for temptation and sin, personified as a woman who leads the young man astray.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_arrow.htm">The Arrow</a></b><br>Symbolizes the sudden and deadly consequences of sin.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_snare.htm">The Snare</a></b><br>Represents the trap of sin, which seems harmless but leads to destruction.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_liver.htm">The Liver</a></b><br>In ancient Hebrew thought, the liver was considered the seat of life, making its piercing a metaphor for mortal danger.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_deceptive_nature_of_sin.htm">The Deceptive Nature of Sin</a></b><br>Sin often appears harmless or even attractive, but its consequences are severe and life-threatening.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wisdom_and_discernment.htm">The Importance of Wisdom and Discernment</a></b><br>Like the young man, we must seek wisdom to recognize and avoid the snares of temptation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_suddenness_of_consequences.htm">The Suddenness of Consequences</a></b><br>Sin can lead to sudden and unexpected consequences, much like an arrow piercing the liver.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart.htm">Guarding the Heart</a></b><br>We must guard our hearts against temptation, understanding that what seems minor can lead to spiritual death.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_protection.htm">Seeking God's Protection</a></b><br>Rely on God's wisdom and protection to avoid the snares of sin, as He is our refuge and strength.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_paranoia.htm">What does the Bible say about paranoia?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_proverbs_7_22-27_unjust_or_unmerciful.htm">Does the depiction of sudden destruction for the tempted (Proverbs 7:22-27) contradict a just and merciful God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_proverbs_22_7_lack_solutions.htm">Proverbs 22:7: Why does the text point out the rule of the rich over the poor but offer no direct solution to systemic economic oppression?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_gluttony_considered_sinful.htm">Is gluttony considered sinful?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Till a dart strike through his liver.--</span>These words must be taken in a parenthesis.<p><span class= "bld">That it is for his life.--</span><span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, at the cost of it, when "his flesh and body are consumed," and remorse has seized upon him (<a href="/proverbs/5-11.htm" title="And you mourn at the last, when your flesh and your body are consumed,">Proverbs 5:11</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Till a dart strike through his liver.</span> This clause would be better taken with the preceding verse, as in the Septuagint, or else placed in a parenthesis; then the following clause introduces a new come parison. The youth follows the harlot till his liver, the seat of the passions, is thoroughly inflamed, or till fatal consequences ensue. Theocr., 'Id,' 11:15 - <p><span class="greek">Ἔχθιστον ἔχων ὑποκάρδιον ἕλκος</span><br /><span class="greek">Κύπριος ἐκ μεγάλας τὸ οἱ ἥπατι πᾶξε βέλεμνον</span>.<br /><span class="accented">"Beneath his breast<br />A hateful wound he bore by Cypris given,<br />Who in his liver fixed the fatal dart."</span> Delitzsch would relegate the hemistich to the end of the verse, making it denote the final result of mad and illicit love. The sense thus gained is satisfactory, but the alteration is quite arbitrary, and unsupported by ancient authority. <span class="cmt_word">As a bird hasteth to the snare.</span> This is another comparison (see <a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">Proverbs 1:17</a>, the first proverb in the book, and note there). <span class="cmt_word">And knoweth not that it is for his life;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the infatuated youth does not consider that his life is at stake, that he is bringing upon himself, by his vicious rashness, temporal and spiritual ruin (<a href="/proverbs/5-11.htm">Proverbs 5:11</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/7-23.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">until</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֤ד</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an arrow</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵ֡ץ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥêṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2671.htm">Strong's 2671: </a> </span><span class="str2">A piercer, an arrow, a wound, thunderbolt, the shaft of a, spear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pierces</span><br /><span class="heb">יְפַלַּ֪ח</span> <span class="translit">(yə·p̄al·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6398.htm">Strong's 6398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To slice, break open, pierce</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his liver,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּֽבֵד֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḇê·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3516.htm">Strong's 3516: </a> </span><span class="str2">The liver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a bird</span><br /><span class="heb">צִפּ֣וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(ṣip·pō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6833.htm">Strong's 6833: </a> </span><span class="str2">A little bird</span><br /><br /><span class="word">darting</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּמַהֵ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ma·hêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4116.htm">Strong's 4116: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a snare—</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּ֑ח</span> <span class="translit">(pāḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6341.htm">Strong's 6341: </a> </span><span class="str2">A, sheet, a spring net</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knowing</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֝דַ֗ע</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it</span><br /><span class="heb">הֽוּא׃</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will cost him his life.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְנַפְשׁ֥וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·nap̄·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/7-23.htm">Proverbs 7:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 7:23 Until an arrow strikes through his liver (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 7:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 7:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/7-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 7:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 7:24" /></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>