Proverbs 5:16

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Why should your springs flow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?

American Standard Version (1901)

Should thy springs be dispersed abroad, And streams of water in the streets?

Bible in Basic English

Let not your springs be flowing in the streets, or your streams of water in the open places.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Let thy fountains be conveyed abroad, and in the streets divide thy waters.

Free Bible Version

Why should your springs be spilled outside, your streams of water poured out in the streets?

Geneva Bible 1599

Let thy fountaines flow foorth, and the riuers of waters in the streetes.

King James (Authorized) Version

Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.

One Unity Resource Bible

Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares?

Translation for Translators

Like you would not waste good water by pouring it into the street, you should not have sex with other women. [MET, EUP]

Unlocked Literal Bible

Should your springs overflow everywhere and your streams of water flow in the public squares?

Noah Webster Bible

Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.

World English Bible

Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares?

Young's Literal Translation

Let thy fountains be scattered abroad, In broad places rivulets of waters.

Context

Avoiding Immorality

¹⁵Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. ¹⁶Why should your springs flow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? ¹⁷Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.

Summary

This verse highlights the importance of faithfulness and intimacy within marriage, emphasizing the exclusivity and satisfaction found in the marital relationship. It encourages spouses to find joy and fulfillment in each other, promoting loyalty and commitment in the covenant of marriage. The verse underscores the sacredness of the marital bond, warning against straying outside of the marriage for physical or emotional gratification. Ultimately, it calls for honoring and cherishing one's spouse as a gift from God, fostering a deep and lasting connection built on love and mutual respect.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad,.... Or "shall abound", as the Targum; that is, streams of water from fountains; which Aben Ezra interprets of a multitude of children, namely, that are lawfully begotten: the "fountains" are the man and his wife in lawful marriage; the streams are their offspring lawfully procreated by them; which may be said to be "dispersed abroad", when being grown up they are disposed of in marriage in other families, and so become fountains to others, and public blessings; and rivers of waters in the streets; meaning a numerous posterity as before; and such as a man is not ashamed publicly to own, whereas he is ashamed of such as are unlawfully begotten; but these are to his honour in the streets, and for public good; and particularly to those to whom they are given in marriage; see Isa 48:1. Jarchi interprets this of multiplying disciples, and of teaching them the law publicly, and of getting a name thereby; but it might be interpreted much better of spreading the doctrines of the Gospel, and of the public ministry and profession of that, for the good of others.

Proverbs 5:16

Avoiding Immorality

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

Why should your springs flow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?

American Standard Version (1901)

Should thy springs be dispersed abroad, And streams of water in the streets?

Bible in Basic English

Let not your springs be flowing in the streets, or your streams of water in the open places.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Let thy fountains be conveyed abroad, and in the streets divide thy waters.

Free Bible Version

Why should your springs be spilled outside, your streams of water poured out in the streets?

Geneva Bible 1599

Let thy fountaines flow foorth, and the riuers of waters in the streetes.

King James (Authorized) Version

Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.

One Unity Resource Bible

Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares?

Translation for Translators

Like you would not waste good water by pouring it into the street, you should not have sex with other women. [MET, EUP]

Unlocked Literal Bible

Should your springs overflow everywhere and your streams of water flow in the public squares?

Noah Webster Bible

Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.

World English Bible

Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares?

Young's Literal Translation

Let thy fountains be scattered abroad, In broad places rivulets of waters.