Proverbs 6:25
Proverbs 6:25 in Multiple Translations
Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Lust not after her beauty in thy heart; Neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Let not your heart's desire go after her fair body; let not her eyes take you prisoner.
Don't let your mind lust after her beauty, or let her hypnotize you with her fluttering eyelashes.
Desire not her beautie in thine heart, neither let her take thee with her eye lids.
Desire not her beauty in thy heart, And let her not take thee with her eyelids.
Don’t lust after her beauty in your heart, neither let her captivate you with her eyelids.
Lust not after her beauty in thy heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Let not thy heart covet her beauty, be not caught with her winks:
Even if such a woman is beautiful and has lovely eyes, do not desire to go with her. Do not let her persuade you to go with her ◄with her eyes/by the way she looks at you►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 6:25
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 6:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תַּחְמֹ֣ד
יָ֭פְיָ/הּ
בִּ/לְבָבֶ֑/ךָ
וְ/אַל
תִּ֝קָּֽחֲ/ךָ֗
בְּ/עַפְעַפֶּֽי/הָ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּחְמֹ֣ד
châmad
H2530
to desire
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
יָ֭פְיָ/הּ
yŏphîy
H3308
beauty
N-ms | Suff
בִּ/לְבָבֶ֑/ךָ
lêbâb
H3824
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
תִּ֝קָּֽחֲ/ךָ֗
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Juss-2ms | Suff
בְּ/עַפְעַפֶּֽי/הָ
ʻaphʻaph
H6079
eyelid
Prep | N-mp | Suff
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 6:25
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּחְמֹ֣ד
châmad
H2530
"to desire"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take great pleasure in something or someone, like a precious treasure. It's used to describe the beauty of God's creation and the joy of being in a loving relationship. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and Psalms to express delight and desire.
Definition: v 1) to desire, covet, take pleasure in, delight in 1a) (Qal) to desire 1b) (Niphal) to be desirable 1c) (Piel) to delight greatly, desire greatly
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: beauty, greatly beloved, covet, delectable thing, ([idiom] great) delight, desire, goodly, lust, (be) pleasant (thing), precious (thing). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 6:25; Psalms 19:11.
יָ֭פְיָ/הּ
yŏphîy
H3308
"beauty"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means beauty, describing something pleasing and attractive. In Psalm 27:4, it describes the beauty of God's presence. The word is used to convey a sense of wonder and awe.
Definition: beauty
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: beauty. See also: Esther 1:11; Ezekiel 16:15; Psalms 45:12.
בִּ/לְבָבֶ֑/ךָ
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּ֝קָּֽחֲ/ךָ֗
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
בְּ/עַפְעַפֶּֽי/הָ
ʻaphʻaph
H6079
"eyelid"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word can refer to an eyelid or an eyelash, and is also used figuratively to describe the morning sun's rays. It appears in descriptions of nature and beauty.
Definition: 1) eyelid 1a) eyelid 1b) of dawn, rays of sun (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: dawning, eye-lid. See also: Job 3:9; Proverbs 4:25; Psalms 11:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 6:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 6:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:25
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:25
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 6:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:25
- Sermons on Proverbs 6:25
Context — Warnings against Adultery
23For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,
24to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.
25Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
26For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. 27Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 1:14–15 | 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. |
| 2 | Matthew 5:28 | But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 9:30 | Now when Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. So she painted her eyes, adorned her head, and looked down from a window. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 11:2–5 | One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. So David sent and inquired about the woman, and he was told, “This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. (Now she had just purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned home. And the woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.” |
| 5 | Song of Solomon 4:9 | You have captured my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your neck. |
| 6 | Isaiah 3:16 | The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty— walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles— |
Proverbs 6:25 Summary
[This verse is warning us about the dangers of lusting after someone who is not our spouse, which can lead to all sorts of trouble and heartache, as seen in the story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11. It's saying that we should not let our desires control us, but instead, we should focus on what is truly important. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of lust and instead, cultivate a deeper love and respect for others, as taught in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'lust in your heart'?
Lusting in your heart means to have a strong desire or longing for something that is not yours to have, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:28, where He says that looking at a woman with lust is equivalent to committing adultery in your heart.
How can I avoid being captivated by someone's beauty?
To avoid being captivated by someone's beauty, focus on the inner qualities that truly matter, such as a person's character, as described in 1 Peter 3:3-4, which reminds us that true beauty comes from within.
Is it a sin to notice someone's physical beauty?
Noticing someone's physical beauty is not a sin in itself, but it becomes a sin when it leads to lust or inappropriate desires, as warned in Proverbs 6:25, and when it distracts us from what is truly important, as taught in 1 Timothy 4:12.
What role does self-control play in avoiding lust?
Self-control is essential in avoiding lust, as it enables us to make choices that align with God's will, as taught in 1 Corinthians 7:5 and Galatians 5:22-23, where self-control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can guard my heart against lust and inappropriate desires?
- How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for the inner qualities that truly make a person beautiful?
- What are some practical steps I can take to avoid being captivated by someone's physical beauty?
- In what ways can I use my thoughts and desires to honor God, rather than dishonor Him?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:25
Lust not after her beauty in thine heart,.... Do not look upon it with the eye, nor dwell upon it in the thought; the one will lead on to and kindle last in the heart, and the other will cherish it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:25
Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart. Not only the outward act but the inward desire is sin (Matthew 5:28; cf. Exodus 20:17).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:25
Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; do not give way to, nor delight thyself with, unchaste thoughts or affections. Compare . With her eyelids; either with her beauty, which consists much in the eyes; or rather, with her amours and wanton glances.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:25
Proverbs 6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.Ver. 25. Lust not after her beauty.] Aureliae Orestillae praeter formam nihil unquam bonus laudavit. Aurelia Orestilla had beauty indeed, but nothing else that was praise worthy, saith the historian. How much better Aspasia Milesia, of whom Aelian reports that she was fair and modest. And the Lady Jane Gray, whose excellent beauty was adorned with all variety of virtues, as a clear sky with stars, as a princely diadem with jewels. Some women are like Helen without, Hecuba within; but it is a small praise to have a good face and a naughty nature - a beautiful countenance and a base life. In thine heart.] Neither let her take thee with her eyelids.] Si nescis, oculi sunt in amore duces. Some render it, Neque te capiat splendoribus suis; let her not take time with her glitterings, and gay habiliments, or head tires. Cyprian and Augustine say that superfluous attire is worse than whoredom, because whoredom only corrupts chastity, but this corrupts nature. Jerome saith, that if women adorn themselves so as to provoke men to lust after them, though no evil follow upon it, yet those women shall suffer eternal damnation, because they offered poison to others, though none would drink it.
Salust. Kαληκαισοφη; AeIian, Var. Hist., lib. xii. cap. 1. Propers, Pagnin.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:25
Verse 25. Neither let her take thee with her eye-lids.] It is a very general custom in the East to paint the eye-lids. I have many Asiatic drawings in which this is expressed. They have a method of polishing the eyes with a preparation of antimony, so that they appear with an indescribable lustre; or, as one who mentions the fact from observation, "Their eyes appear to be swimming in bliss."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:25
25. eyelids] Painted probably after the Eastern fashion. Comp. 2 Kings 9:30. “They paint or blacken the eyelids with kǒ ?hl, and prolong the application in a descending pencil, so as to lengthen and reduce the eye in appearance to what is called almond shape. The practice is extremely ancient, for such painted eyes are found in the oldest Egyptian tombs. It imparts a peculiar brilliancy to the eye and a languishing amorous cast to the whole countenance.” Thomson, Land and Book, p. 461.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 6:25
Eyelids - Possibly pointing to the Eastern custom of painting the eyes on the outside with kohl so as to give brightness and languishing expression.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:25
25. Take thee with her eyelids — Captivate with her eyelids. Oriental women paint their eyebrows and eyelids, giving, as is thought, great artificial beauty to them.
Sermons on Proverbs 6:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Proverbs 6-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher gives two exhortations to his son. The first exhortation is against guaranteeing for somebody else, emphasizing the danger of striking hands with a str |
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Watch Your Eye and Your Tongue by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of disciplining our eyes and tongues as essential parts of our bodies that must be presented to God. He references Paul's commitment to training |
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The Bull's Eye by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of having a definite aim in our Christian lives, drawing parallels between shooting at a target and focusing on our personal spiritual goals. H |
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Susanna Teaches Circumspection by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome warns about the dangers of lust and adultery by recounting the story of Susanna and the elders who fell into sin due to their lustful desires. He emphasizes the imp |
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Principles of the Most Holy War by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of the tongue and the importance of refraining from engaging in harmful conversations. He highlights the need for holi |
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True Holiness by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing true holiness distinct from counterfeit or Old Testament holiness. It addresses the fear or lack of understanding of holiness a |
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Blood Covenant - Part 13 by Bob Phillips | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence and influence of the devil in the world. He explains that the devil operates in the air and on earth, seeking to devour those w |