Proverbs 6:26
Proverbs 6:26 in Multiple Translations
For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.
For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
For on account of a harlot a man is brought to a piece of bread; And the adulteress hunteth for the precious life.
For a loose woman is looking for a cake of bread, but another man's wife goes after one's very life.
You can buy a prostitute for the price of a loaf of bread, but adultery with another man's wife can cost you your life.
For because of the whorish woman a man is brought to a morsell of bread, and a woman wil hunt for the precious life of a man.
For a harlot consumeth unto a cake of bread, And an adulteress the precious soul hunteth.
For a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread. The adulteress hunts for your precious life.
For by means of a lewd woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
For the price of a harlot is scarce one loaf: but the woman catcheth the precious soul of a man.
Do not forget that you can hire a prostitute for only a loaf of bread, but if you sleep with another man’s wife, ◄it may cost you/you may lose► your life.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 6:26
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 6:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
בְעַד
אִשָּׁ֥ה
זוֹנָ֗ה
עַֽד
כִּכַּ֫ר
לָ֥חֶם
וְ/אֵ֥שֶׁת
אִ֑ישׁ
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
יְקָרָ֣ה
תָצֽוּד
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בְעַד
bᵉʻad
H1157
about/through/for
Prep
אִשָּׁ֥ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
זוֹנָ֗ה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
V-Qal
עַֽד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
כִּכַּ֫ר
kikkâr
H3603
talent
N-cs
לָ֥חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
וְ/אֵ֥שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Conj | N-fs
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
יְקָרָ֣ה
yâqâr
H3368
precious
Adj
תָצֽוּד
tsûwd
H6679
to hunt
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
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 6:26
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בְעַד
bᵉʻad
H1157
"about/through/for"
Prep
This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.
אִשָּׁ֥ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
זוֹנָ֗ה
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
V-Qal
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
עַֽד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
כִּכַּ֫ר
kikkâr
H3603
"talent"
N-cs
In the Bible, a talent was a unit of weight or currency, like in Matthew 25:15-28, where a master gives his servants talents to invest. It could also refer to a round loaf of bread or a region, such as the Jordan valley.
Definition: 1) round 1a) a round district (environs of the Jordan valley) 1b) a round loaf (of bread) 1c) a round weight, talent (of gold, silver, bronze, iron) Aramaic equivalent: kik.ker (כִּכֵּר "talent" H3604)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: loaf, morsel, piece, plain, talent. See also: Genesis 13:10; 2 Kings 5:5; Proverbs 6:26.
לָ֥חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
וְ/אֵ֥שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Conj | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
יְקָרָ֣ה
yâqâr
H3368
"precious"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is valuable and precious, like costly jewels or highly valued people, as seen in descriptions of honorable women and precious stones in the Bible.
Definition: 1) valuable, prized, weighty, precious, rare, splendid 1a) precious 1a1) costly 1a2) precious, highly valued 1a3) precious stones or jewels 1b) rare 1c) glorious, splendid 1d) weighty, influential
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: brightness, clear, costly, excellent, fat, honourable women, precious, reputation. See also: 1 Samuel 3:1; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 37:20.
תָצֽוּד
tsûwd
H6679
"to hunt"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To provision means to gather food and supplies for a journey, as in Genesis 45:23, where Jacob prepares for his trip to Egypt. It represents God's care for His people.
Definition: 1) to hunt 1a) (Qal) to hunt 1b) (Poel) to hunt, hunt eagerly or keenly
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: chase, hunt, sore, take (provision). See also: Genesis 27:3; Psalms 140:12; Proverbs 6:26.
Study Notes — Proverbs 6:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 6:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:26
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:26
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 6:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:26
- Sermons on Proverbs 6:26
Context — Warnings against Adultery
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? 28Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 15:30 | But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ |
| 2 | Proverbs 29:3 | A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 2:36 | And everyone left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver or a morsel of bread, pleading, “Please appoint me to some priestly office so that I can eat a piece of bread.”’” |
| 4 | Genesis 39:14 | she called her household servants. “Look,” she said, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us. He came to me so he could sleep with me, but I screamed as loud as I could. |
| 5 | Luke 15:13–15 | After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 13:18 | and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their wrists and make veils for the heads of people of every height, in order to ensnare their souls. Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own? |
| 7 | Proverbs 5:10 | lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich the house of a foreigner. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 13:8 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 9 | Proverbs 7:23 | until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life. |
| 10 | Proverbs 29:8 | Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger. |
Proverbs 6:26 Summary
[Proverbs 6:26 warns us that getting involved with a prostitute or an adulteress can lead to poverty and even cost us our very lives, as it says 'the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.', which is similar to what is warned in Proverbs 5:3-6. This is not just talking about money, but about the emptiness and destruction that comes from sin. By seeking a life of purity and integrity, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 4:7, we can avoid the dangers of adultery and prostitution, and instead find fulfillment and joy in our relationship with God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible mean by 'the levy of the prostitute is poverty' in Proverbs 6:26?
This phrase means that the cost of being involved with a prostitute is not just financial, but also spiritual and emotional poverty, as seen in other scriptures like Proverbs 5:9-11, where it warns of wasting one's years and laboring for what does not satisfy.
How does the adulteress prey upon one's life according to Proverbs 6:26?
The adulteress preys upon one's life by leading them away from God's path and into a life of sin, which can have eternal consequences, as warned in scriptures like 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, which reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
What is the main warning in Proverbs 6:26?
The main warning in Proverbs 6:26 is to avoid the temptation of adultery and prostitution, as they can lead to spiritual and physical destruction, much like the warnings given in Proverbs 7:6-27, which depict the dangers of the adulteress.
How can we apply the warning of Proverbs 6:26 to our daily lives?
We can apply the warning of Proverbs 6:26 by being mindful of the company we keep, avoiding situations that may lead to temptation, and seeking accountability and guidance from God's Word, as encouraged in Psalms 119:9-11, where it talks about seeking God's help in staying pure.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be vulnerable to temptation, and how can I seek God's protection and guidance?
- How can I prioritize my relationship with God and avoid the dangers of spiritual adultery, as warned in scriptures like James 4:4?
- What are some practical steps I can take to avoid the temptation of adultery and prostitution, and to seek a life of purity and integrity?
- How can I use Proverbs 6:26 as a reminder to seek God's wisdom and guidance in my daily decisions and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:26
For by means of a whorish woman [a man is brought] to a piece of bread,.... To be glad of one, and to beg for one, for the least morsel; it is expressive of the extreme poverty and want which harlots
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:26
For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:26
To a piece of bread; to extreme poverty, so as to want and be forced to beg his bread. Hunt for the precious life; to take away a man’ s life; either by consuming his body and spirits, and so shortening his days; or more directly and strictly, when she hath any great provocation to it, or any prospect of considerable advantage by it. Or, for the precious soul, which she corrupteth and destroyeth. But I prefer the former sense.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:26
Proverbs 6:26 For by means of a whorish woman [a man is brought] to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.Ver. 26. For by means of a whorish woman.] These creatures know no other language but that of the horse leech’ s daughter, Give, give, and may fitly be compared to the ravens of Arabia, that, fully gorged, have a tunable, sweet record, but empty, screech horribly; or to carrion crows, that flock to a dead carcase, not to defend it, but to devour it; and no sooner have they bared the bones but they are gone. Thus dame Alice Peirce, King Edward III’ s concubine, served him while he lived; all was here as she would; and when this king lay dying, she packed away what she could snatch, even to the rings on his fingers, and so left him. “ Corpus, opes, animum, famam, vim, lumina, scortum Debilitat, perdit, necat, aufert, cripit, orbat." Will hunt for the precious life.] As Potiphar’ s wife did for Joseph’ s. And surely it was a great providence of God that, upon her false accusation, he had not been presently put to death. Into prison he was thrown, and so laden with fetters, that "the iron entered into his soul" Psalms 105:18 - i.e., ate into his flesh, and all by means of this whorish woman, whose lust turned into hatred. Aut te ardenter amat, aut te capitaliter odit. Daniel’ s Chronicle. Mantuan.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:26
Verse 26. By means of a whorish woman] In following lewd women, a man is soon reduced to poverty and disease. The Septuagint gives this a strange turn: τιμηγαρπορνης, οσηκαιενοςαρτου. "For the price or hire of a whore is about one loaf." So many were they in the land, that they hired themselves out for a bare subsistence. The Vulgate, Syriac, and Arabic, give the same sense. The old MS. Bible has it thus: The price forsothe of a strumpet is unneth oon lof: the woman forsothe taketh the precious liif of a man. The sense of which is, and probably the sense of the Hebrew too, While the man hires the whore for a single loaf of bread; the woman thus hired taketh his precious life. She extracts his energy, and poisons his constitution. In the first clause אשה זונה ishshah zonah is plainly a prostitute; but should we render אשת esheth, in the second clause, an adulteress?
I think not. The versions in general join אשת איש esheth ish, together, which, thus connected, signify no more than the wife of a man; and out of this we have made adulteress, and Coverdale a married woman. I do not think that the Old MS. Bible gives a good sense; and it requires a good deal of paraphrase to extract the common meaning from the text. Though the following verses seem to countenance the common interpretation, yet they may contain a complete sense of themselves; but, taken in either way, the sense is good, though the construction is a little violent.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:26
26. the adulteress] Lit. a man’s wife. It is the same woman who is contemplated in both clauses of the verse, a married woman, who has become a “whorish woman.” will hunt] Rather, hunteth, R.V. Not only substance (Proverbs 6:31) but life itself (Proverbs 6:34-35) may be the forfeit, and a more precious substance than bodily life also. “Every sin is the precursor of spiritual bankruptcy; it is setting one’s hand to a bill, which when it comes in must break the wealthiest signatory.” Horton, p. 75.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 6:26
The two forms of evil bring, each of them, their own penalty.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:26
26. This verse is difficult because of the supposed ellipsis, and is variously rendered by the versions and critics. The ellipsis indicated by the italics renders the meaning doubtful.
Sermons on Proverbs 6:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Hunter From Hell by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a desperate teenage boy he encountered in Brooklyn. The boy's siblings, who were only three and four years old, were left |
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Pottage for Birthright by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of making decisions with consideration of their consequences, drawing examples from Scripture like Eve's disobedience leading to the fall of |
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 25 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the importance of refraining from judging others, emphasizing the need to focus on self-reflection and righteous judgment within our spheres of responsibili |
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Choose Humility by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the critical importance of choosing humility over pride, sharing his personal journey of recognizing his own prideful thoughts and attitudes towards others |
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Prodigal Church by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the prodigal son from the Bible. He compares the prodigal son to the state of the church, describing how it has become impoveris |
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New Covenant - Overcoming Temptation - Part 5 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of reverencing God and seeking His secrets for godly living. It highlights the need to overcome temptations by relying on the power of the Hol |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 26 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker warns against the dangers of self-consciousness, as it can lead to self-pity, which is considered satanic. The example of Judas is given, who was filled |