Proverbs 7:12

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner.

American Standard Version (1901)

Now she is in the streets, now in the broad places, And lieth in wait at every corner.)

Bible in Basic English

Now she is in the street, now in the open spaces, waiting at every turning of the road.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Now abroad, now in the streets, now lying in wait near the corners.

Free Bible Version

One moment she'd be walking the streets, the next she'd be there in the town squares, loitering at every corner.)

Geneva Bible 1599

Nowe she is without, nowe in the streetes, and lyeth in waite at euery corner)

King James (Authorized) Version

Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

One Unity Resource Bible

Now she is in the streets, now in the squares, and lurking at every corner.

Translation for Translators

She often went into the city streets and plazas/markets, waiting to trap some man.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Now in the streets, then in the market place, and at every corner she waited in ambush.

Noah Webster Bible

Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

World English Bible

Now she is in the streets, now in the squares, and lurking at every corner.

Young's Literal Translation

Now in an out-place, now in broad places, And near every corner she lieth in wait) —

Context

Warnings about the Adulteress

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. ¹³She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him:

Summary

This verse from Proverbs describes the woman in question as loud, rebellious, and wayward, with her feet never staying at home. It serves as a cautionary tale warning against the dangers of temptation and seduction, urging readers to be vigilant and avoid falling into sinful traps. The imagery used conveys a sense of restlessness and instability, emphasizing the destructive consequences of giving in to immoral behavior. Ultimately, the verse underscores the importance of wisdom, discernment, and faithfulness in resisting temptation and staying on the path of righteousness.

Commentary

John Gill
Tyndale

John Gill Bible Commentary

So she caught him, and kissed him,.... The young man that went near her corner where she was plying, or in the way to her house, where she was sitting, or standing, waiting and watching for such an opportunity, for such a person, as a prey to fasten on; and no sooner she saw him, and come up to him, but, without any ceremony or address, she laid hold upon him, as the word (l) signifies, threw her arms about his neck, and embraced him in them; and, what is unusual for women to do, kissed him, in order to stir up wanton affections and impure desires in him; and with an impudent face; or, "and she strengthened her face" (m); rubbed her forehead, put on a brasen face, a whore's front; see Jer 3:3. And said unto him; accosted him in the following manner, without shame or blushing. (l) "apprehendit eum", Pagninus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis, Schultens. (m) "et roboravit facies suas", Montanus; "vultumque suum obfirmavit", Schultens, so Michaelis; "obfirmabat", Cocceius.

Proverbs 7:12

Warnings about the Adulteress

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. ¹³She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him: