Proverbs 7:10
Proverbs 7:10 in Multiple Translations
Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart.
And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
And, behold, there met him a woman With the attire of a harlot, and wily of heart.
And the woman came out to him, in the dress of a loose woman, with a designing heart;
Then out came a woman to meet him. She was dressed as a prostitute and had deceptive intentions.
And beholde, there met him a woman with an harlots behauiour, and subtill in heart.
And, lo, a woman to meet him — (A harlot's dress, and watchful of heart,
Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute, and with crafty intent.
And behold, there met him a woman with the attire of a harlot, and subtil of heart.
And behold a woman meeteth him in harlot’s attire prepared to deceive souls; talkative and wandering,
Suddenly the woman came out to see/meet him. She was dressed ◄seductively/like a prostitute►, wanting to persuade him to sleep with her.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 7:10
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 7:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
אִ֭שָּׁה
לִ/קְרָאת֑/וֹ
שִׁ֥ית
ז֝וֹנָ֗ה
וּ/נְצֻ֥רַת
לֵֽב
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
אִ֭שָּׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
לִ/קְרָאת֑/וֹ
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
שִׁ֥ית
shîyth
H7897
garment
N-ms
ז֝וֹנָ֗ה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
V-Qal
וּ/נְצֻ֥רַת
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
לֵֽב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 7:10
וְ/הִנֵּ֣ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אִ֭שָּׁה
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.
לִ/קְרָאת֑/וֹ
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
שִׁ֥ית
shîyth
H7897
"garment"
N-ms
This word refers to a garment or piece of clothing that you put on. It's used in the Bible to talk about what people wear. In the book of Matthew, it describes the attire of the king's servants.
Definition: garment
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: attire. See also: Psalms 73:6; Proverbs 7:10.
ז֝וֹנָ֗ה
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.
וּ/נְצֻ֥רַת
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
לֵֽב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, 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
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 7:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 7:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 7:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 7:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 7:10
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:10
- Sermons on Proverbs 7:10
Context — Warnings about the Adulteress
8crossing the street near her corner, strolling down the road to her house,
9at twilight, as the day was fading into the dark of the night.
10Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart.
11She is loud and defiant; her feet do not remain at home. 12Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 2:9 | Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, |
| 2 | Isaiah 3:16–24 | 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— the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare. ” In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; their pendants, bracelets, and veils; their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms; their signet rings and nose rings; their festive robes, capes, cloaks, and purses; and their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls. Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, shame. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 11:2–3 | I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 4:30 | And you, O devastated one, what will you do, though you dress yourself in scarlet, though you adorn yourself with gold jewelry, though you enlarge your eyes with paint? You adorn yourself in vain; your lovers despise you; they want to take your life. |
| 6 | Genesis 3:1 | Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” |
| 7 | Genesis 38:14–15 | she removed her widow’s garments, covered her face with a veil to disguise herself, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that although Shelah had grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife. When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face. |
| 8 | Isaiah 23:16 | “Take up your harp, stroll through the city, O forgotten harlot. Make sweet melody, sing many a song, so you will be remembered.” |
| 9 | Revelation 17:3–5 | And the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, where I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. |
| 10 | 2 Kings 9:22 | When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” he replied, “as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?” |
Proverbs 7:10 Summary
The woman in Proverbs 7:10 is dressed in a way that is meant to attract attention and lead someone into sin. She is clever and cunning, using her charm to deceive others, much like the serpent in Genesis 3:1-6. This verse teaches us to be careful about the company we keep and the situations we put ourselves in, lest we fall into temptation (as warned in Proverbs 4:14-15 and 1 Corinthians 15:33). By being aware of our surroundings and guarding our hearts, we can avoid the deceitful tactics of those who would lead us astray.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of woman is being described in Proverbs 7:10?
The woman in Proverbs 7:10 is described as having the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart, indicating she is likely an adulteress or someone who is intentionally seeking to lead others into sin, as warned against in Exodus 20:17 and Matthew 5:28.
What does it mean that the woman has the 'cunning of heart'?
The phrase 'cunning of heart' in Proverbs 7:10 suggests that the woman is clever and crafty in her intentions, using her charm and wit to deceive and manipulate others, much like the serpent in Genesis 3:1-6 who deceived Eve with cunning words.
How does this verse relate to the warning against adultery in the Bible?
Proverbs 7:10 serves as a warning against the dangers of adultery and the deceitful nature of those who would lead others into sin, echoing the commandment in Exodus 20:17 against coveting another's spouse and the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:27-30 about the seriousness of lust and adultery.
What can we learn from the context of this verse about avoiding temptation?
The context of Proverbs 7:10, particularly the description of the time and place in Proverbs 7:8-9, teaches us to be aware of our surroundings and the company we keep, lest we fall into temptation, as also cautioned in Proverbs 4:14-15 and 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Reflection Questions
- How can I recognize and avoid the cunning and deceitful tactics of those who would lead me into sin?
- In what ways can I protect myself from the temptations that come from being in the wrong place at the wrong time, as described in Proverbs 7:8-9?
- What are some practical steps I can take to guard my heart against the allurements of sin, as warned against in Proverbs 7:10?
- How does the description of the woman in Proverbs 7:10 compare to the warnings against false teachers and prophets in other parts of the Bible, such as 2 Peter 2:1-3 and Jude 1:4?
- What role does self-control and discipline play in avoiding the kind of temptations described in this verse, and how can I cultivate these qualities in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:10
And, behold, there met him a woman,.... A married woman, and an adulteress, as the following account of her shows; as soon as ever she discerned the young man before described, who she knew, by his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:10
And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. And, behold, there met him a woman (with) the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 7:10
With the attire of an harlot; with a habit and carriage agreeable to her quality and design. Subtle, or wary, or reserved, as she showed in her following discourse; wherein she proposeth all things which might invite him, and conceals whatsoever might discourage him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:10
Proverbs 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman [with] the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.Ver. 10. And behold there met him a woman.] Fit lettuce for such lips, a fit handle for such a hatchet. Every corner is full of such dust heaps, the land is even darkened with them, as Egypt once was with the locusts. With the attire of an harlot.] The Hebrew word here signifies a set habit or ornament finely fitted to the body: vestitus in quo plicae, saith Lavater, plaited tarments, plaited hair, &c. Let such take heed of the plica poloniea, that dreadful disease. And subtile of heart.] Or, Trussed up about the breasts, with her upper parts naked. So Levi Ben. Gersom: Erat nudo collo et pectore, corde tenus, &c. She met him with her naked breasts; at this day too commonly used by such as would be held no harlots.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 7:10
(10) Subtil of heart.—Feigning love to her husband and devotion to her lovers, yet caring for none, only to satisfy her own passions.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 7:10
Verse 10. A woman with the attire of a harlot] It appears that sitting in some open place, and covering the face, or having a veil of a peculiar kind on, was the evidence of a harlot, Genesis 38:14; Genesis 38:15-19. No doubt, in Solomon's time, they had other distinctions. In all other countries, and in all times, the show of their countenance did testify against them; they declared their sin as Sodom; they hid it not. However, this does not seem to have been a mere prostitute; for she was, according to her own declaration, a married woman, and kept house, Proverbs 7:19, if her assertions relative to this were not falsehoods, and calculated the better to render him secure, and prevent the suspicion of endangering himself by cohabiting with a common woman; which I am rather inclined to think was the case, for she was subtle of heart.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:10
10. attire of a harlot] Comp. Genesis 38:14; Ezekiel 16:16; Ezekiel 16:25; Bar 6:43. subtil] Lit. hidden, or kept close, and so, subtil, or wily, because she keeps such strict watch over her heart as not to allow its true motives and feelings to appear. The LXX. and Vulg. understand it to refer to her action on the hearts or passions of her victims, ἣποιεῖνέωνἐξίπτασθαικαρδίας, prζparata ad capiendas animas.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:10
10. Attire of a harlot — Such persons usually have some means of making their character known. Their dress or manner shows what they are.
Sermons on Proverbs 7:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Overcoming Sexual Sin by Jason Robinson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being in harmony with one another in the church. He explains that when believers are in symphony with each other, they can |
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What Guys Think About Modesty by c.j. Mahaney by Compilations | This sermon addresses the daily battle against sin and temptation faced by men, emphasizing the need for women to understand and support their struggle for purity. It highlights th |
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A Call to Modesty (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a holy and modest life. He urges the congregation to examine their lives and repent of any secret sins or hidden wr |
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Biblical Apparel by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher describes a situation where he had a planned sermon but felt a burden on his heart as he saw young people gathering for the meeting. He emphasizes the |
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A Declaration of the Faith - Part 6 by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize Christ-centered living over worldly entertainment. He challenges parents to take responsibility for gu |
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Biblical Principles of Godly Dress by Dean Taylor | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of godly dress and emphasizes the importance of dressing in a way that pleases God. He acknowledges that discussing this topic may b |
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Don't Give in to the Pressure (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the pressure society puts on women to look a certain way and be sensually appealing to men. He emphasizes that this pressure is worldly and o |