Proverbs 5:16
Proverbs 5:16 in Multiple Translations
Why should your springs flow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?
Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
Should thy springs be dispersed abroad, And streams of water in the streets?
Let not your springs be flowing in the streets, or your streams of water in the open places.
Why should your springs be spilled outside, your streams of water poured out in the streets?
Let thy fountaines flow foorth, and the riuers of waters in the streetes.
Let thy fountains be scattered abroad, In broad places rivulets of waters.
Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares?
Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
Let thy fountains be conveyed abroad, and in the streets divide thy waters.
Like you would not waste good water by pouring it into the street, you should not have sex with other women. [MET, EUP]
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 5:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 5:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָפ֣וּצוּ
מַעְיְנֹתֶ֣י/ךָ
ח֑וּצָ/ה
בָּ֝/רְחֹב֗וֹת
פַּלְגֵי
מָֽיִם
יָפ֣וּצוּ
pûwts
H6327
to scatter
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מַעְיְנֹתֶ֣י/ךָ
maʻyân
H4599
spring
N-mp | Suff
ח֑וּצָ/ה
chûwts
H2351
outside
N-ms | Suff
בָּ֝/רְחֹב֗וֹת
rᵉchôb
H7339
street/plaza
Prep | N-fp
פַּלְגֵי
peleg
H6388
stream
N-mp
מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 5:16
יָפ֣וּצוּ
pûwts
H6327
"to scatter"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.
מַעְיְנֹתֶ֣י/ךָ
maʻyân
H4599
"spring"
N-mp | Suff
A mayan was a spring or fountain, and can also refer to a source of satisfaction. It is mentioned in the Bible as a physical spring, but also figuratively as a source of joy or comfort.
Definition: spring
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: fountain, spring, well. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 87:7; Psalms 74:15.
ח֑וּצָ/ה
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
N-ms | Suff
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
בָּ֝/רְחֹב֗וֹת
rᵉchôb
H7339
"street/plaza"
Prep | N-fp
A street or plaza, referring to a public area or open space, like a marketplace or a thoroughfare. This word is used to describe urban settings and community gathering places, often in stories about city life and trade. It appears in books like Nehemiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: broad or open place or plaza
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: broad place (way), street. See also H1050 (בֵּית רְחוֹב). See also: Genesis 19:2; Proverbs 7:12; Psalms 55:12.
פַּלְגֵי
peleg
H6388
"stream"
N-mp
A small channel of water, like a stream or irrigation ditch, is what this Hebrew word means. It appears in the Bible as a river or stream. In Genesis, it describes a small waterway.
Definition: channel, canal
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: river, stream. See also: Job 29:6; Proverbs 5:16; Psalms 1:3.
מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
Study Notes — Proverbs 5:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 5:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 5:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 5:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 5:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 5:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 5:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 5:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 5:16
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 5:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 5:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 5:16
Context — Avoiding Immorality
14I am on the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly.”
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. 18May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 128:3 | Your wife will be like a fruitful vine flourishing within your house, your sons like olive shoots sitting around your table. |
| 2 | Psalms 127:3 | Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. |
| 3 | Isaiah 48:21 | They did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He made water flow for them from the rock; He split the rock, and water gushed out. |
| 4 | Genesis 24:60 | And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands upon thousands. May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.” |
| 5 | Psalms 68:26 | Bless God in the great congregation; bless the LORD from the fountain of Israel. |
| 6 | Judges 12:9 | He had thirty sons, as well as thirty daughters whom he gave in marriage to men outside his clan; and for his sons he brought back thirty wives from elsewhere. Ibzan judged Israel seven years. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 33:28 | So Israel dwells securely; the fountain of Jacob lives untroubled in a land of grain and new wine, where even the heavens drip with dew. |
Proverbs 5:16 Summary
This verse is saying that the intimate and special parts of marriage should be kept private and exclusive to the married couple, as seen in Proverbs 5:15. It's like having a beautiful garden that should be enjoyed only by the two people who tend to it, and not shared with others, as warned in Proverbs 5:17. If we don't keep these things private, it can lead to hurt and damage, as seen in Proverbs 5:14. By keeping our 'springs' and 'streams of water' private, we can have a strong and healthy marriage, as emphasized in Proverbs 5:18 and Ephesians 5:31, which quotes Genesis 2:24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'springs' and 'streams of water' in Proverbs 5:16?
The 'springs' and 'streams of water' symbolize the blessings and intimate aspects of marriage, as seen in Proverbs 5:15, where it says to 'drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well', emphasizing the importance of keeping these blessings within the marriage. This is also supported by Ephesians 5:31, which quotes Genesis 2:24, highlighting the unity and exclusivity of marriage.
Why is it important to keep 'springs' and 'streams of water' from flowing in the 'streets' and 'public squares'?
Allowing these intimate aspects of marriage to flow outside of the marriage can lead to spiritual and emotional damage, as warned in Proverbs 5:14, where it says 'I am on the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly'. This is why Proverbs 5:17 says 'Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers'.
How does this verse relate to the concept of marriage and faithfulness?
This verse emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and exclusivity in marriage, as seen in Proverbs 5:18, where it says 'May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth'. This is also supported by Malachi 2:15, which emphasizes the importance of guarding the spirit of marriage and not being faithless.
What is the consequence of not heeding this warning?
The consequence of not heeding this warning can lead to spiritual and emotional damage, as seen in Proverbs 5:14, and can also lead to a breakdown in the marriage and family, as warned in Proverbs 5:17, where it says 'Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can protect the 'springs' and 'streams of water' in my own marriage or relationships?
- How can I ensure that I am keeping the intimate aspects of my marriage exclusive to my spouse, as instructed in Proverbs 5:17?
- What are some potential consequences of allowing my 'springs' and 'streams of water' to flow in the 'streets' and 'public squares', as warned in Proverbs 5:14 and Proverbs 5:16?
- How can I apply the principles of faithfulness and exclusivity in my own life, as emphasized in Proverbs 5:18 and Malachi 2:15?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 5:16
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 5:16
Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 5:16
Thy fountains; thy children proceeding from thy wife, called thy fountain, , and from thyself, as the Israelites are said to come from the fountain of Israel, . Compare . And fountains are here put for rivers flowing from them, as it is explained in the next clause, and as it is , by a metonymy of the cause for the effect. And this title may be the more fitly given to children, because as they are rivers in respect of their parents, so when they grow up, they also become fountains to their children. Be dispersed abroad; they shall be multiplied, and in due time appear abroad in the world to thy comfort and honour, and for the good of others; whereas whores are commonly barren, and men are ashamed to own the children of whoredom.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 5:16
Proverbs 5:16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, [and] rivers of waters in the streets.Ver. 16. Let thy fountains be dispersed.] "Thy fountains," that is, thy children. Let thine end in marrying be, that thou mayest have a numerous offspring, that may be as an infantry to the kingdom of heaven. Lawful marriage is usually blessed with many children; and the contrary. Erasmus tells of one Combe, a young woman in Euboea, that being married to one whom she liked, became mother and grandmother to a hundred children. The same author tells of an Englishman, a cripple, that married a blind woman, lived very lovingly with her, and had by her twelve lusty boys, that had no defect or deformity. Erasm. in Chiliad. Erasm. De Instit. Matrim.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 5:16
(15-20) Drink waters out of thine own cistern . . .—In these verses Solomon urges his disciples to follow after purity in the married life; he pictures in vivid terms the delights which it affords as compared with the pleasures of sin. Out of thine own cistern.—The “strange woman,” on the other hand, says, “Stolen waters are sweet” (Proverbs 9:17). The same figure is employed in Son 4:15, where a wife is compared to “a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.” In Jeremiah 2:13 God compares Himself to a “fountain of living waters,” and complains that Israel had deserted Him, and hewed out for themselves “broken cisterns that can hold no water.” This passage in Proverbs has in like manner often been interpreted as an exhortation to drink deeply from the living waters of the Holy Spirit given in the Word and Sacraments (John 7:37).—For ref. see Bishop Wordsworth.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 5:16
Verse 16. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad] Let thy children lawfully begotten be numerous.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 5:16
16. Let thy fountains] This rendering (retained in R.V. marg.) gives a good sense: purity of married life (Proverbs 5:15) will diffuse itself abroad like streams from a fountain, in a numerous family, and in wholesome influences: but only by such purity can these advantages be secured (Proverbs 5:17). The rendering of R.V. text, Should thy springs &c. with a note of interrogation at the end of the verse, makes however the connection of thought in Proverbs 5:15-17 more clear, and is a return to the warning of the earlier verses of the chapter.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 5:16
Wedded love streams forth in blessing on all around, on children and on neighbors and ill the streets, precisely because the wife’s true love is given to the husband only.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 5:16
TO AND PROPER DUTIES, Proverbs 5:15-23. 15-17. Drink waters — Waters often stand for posterity. Numbers 24:7. Fountains, wells, and cisterns, in the East were regarded as of great importance.
Sermons on Proverbs 5:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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07. Pictures of Promise in the Bible by Denny Kenaston | This sermon delves into Psalms 144, exploring the unique combination of war and a burden for the home that David expressed in his writing. It emphasizes the importance of God's inv |
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Hannah - an Epoch Making Vessel by Stephen Kaung | This sermon focuses on the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, highlighting the power of travailing prayer and the importance of being a vessel for God's purposes. It emphasizes the nee |
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Homily 3 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of understanding the blessings and power available to believers through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the need for spi |
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Pentecostal Homes by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp preaches about the importance of Pentecostal influences in molding faithful, loving, harmonious, believing, fruitful, obedient, kind, and hospitable homes. He emphasiz |
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(Godly Home) Part 1 - the Holy Art of Training Children by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a green thumb and the art of polishing stones. He compares these skills to the art of preaching and teaching the wor |
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Rope Wanted by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Mary, a young woman who bravely risked her life to save others during a devastating tidal wave. Despite the warnings of her comrades |
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Children by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that while parents have a responsibility to teach and guide their children in their faith, ultimately each child must develop their own belie |