Proverbs 7:17
Proverbs 7:17 in Multiple Translations
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon.
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
I have perfumed my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
I have made my bed sweet with perfumes and spices.
I've sprinkled perfume on my bed—myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
I haue perfumed my bedde with myrrhe, aloes, and cynamom.
I sprinkled my bed — myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
I have sprinkled sweet-smelling perfumes on my bed— myrrh and aloes and cinnamon.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 7:17
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 7:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נַ֥פְתִּי
מִשְׁכָּבִ֑/י
מֹ֥ר
אֲ֝הָלִ֗ים
וְ/קִנָּמֽוֹן
נַ֥פְתִּי
nûwph
H5130
to sprinkle
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
מִשְׁכָּבִ֑/י
mishkâb
H4904
bed
N-ms | Suff
מֹ֥ר
môr
H4753
myrrh
N-ms
אֲ֝הָלִ֗ים
ʼăhâlîym
H174
aloe
N-mp
וְ/קִנָּמֽוֹן
qinnâmôwn
H7076
cinnamon
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 7:17
נַ֥פְתִּי
nûwph
H5130
"to sprinkle"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To wave means to move something back and forth, like waving a hand or an offering to God, as described in the book of Leviticus. It can also mean to sprinkle or shake something, like sprinkling water for purification.
Definition: 1) to sprinkle 1a) (Qal) to besprinkle, sprinkle
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: lift up, move, offer, perfume, send, shake, sift, strike, wave. See also: Exodus 20:25; Numbers 8:11; Psalms 68:10.
מִשְׁכָּבִ֑/י
mishkâb
H4904
"bed"
N-ms | Suff
Mishkab refers to a bed, but can also mean sleep or even a bier. It's sometimes used to describe intimate relationships, as in Genesis. This word has various meanings depending on the context.
Definition: 1) a lying down, couch, bier, act of lying 1a) couch, bed 1b) act of lying, lying down or sleeping room, bedroom 1c) lying down (for sexual contact) Aramaic equivalent: mish.kav (מִשְׁכַּב "bed" H4903)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), couch, lieth (lying) with. See also: Genesis 49:4; 2 Samuel 17:28; Psalms 4:5.
מֹ֥ר
môr
H4753
"myrrh"
N-ms
Mor is the Hebrew word for myrrh, a bitter resin used in perfume and sacred oil. It is mentioned in the Bible as a valuable commodity.
Definition: 1) myrrh 1a) an Arabian gum from the bark of a tree, used in sacred oil and in perfume
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: myrrh. See also: Exodus 30:23; Song of Solomon 3:6; Psalms 45:9.
אֲ֝הָלִ֗ים
ʼăhâlîym
H174
"aloe"
N-mp
Aloe wood refers to the sticks or tree of the aloe plant, used for its perfume or medicinal properties. In the Bible, it is mentioned in relation to its fragrant scent. The KJV translates it as tree of lign aloes.
Definition: 1) aloes, aloe tree 1a) aloe tree 1b) aloe (perfume)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: (tree of lign-) aloes. See also: Numbers 24:6; Proverbs 7:17; Psalms 45:9.
וְ/קִנָּמֽוֹן
qinnâmôwn
H7076
"cinnamon"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to cinnamon, a fragrant bark used as a spice, often rolled up and used for flavoring. It is mentioned in the Bible as a valuable commodity. The KJV translates it simply as cinnamon.
Definition: 1) cinnamon 1a) fragrant bark used as spice
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: cinnamon. See also: Exodus 30:23; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 4:14.
Study Notes — Proverbs 7:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 7:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 7:17
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:17
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 7:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 7:17
Context — Warnings about the Adulteress
15So I came out to meet you; I sought you, and I have found you.
16I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linen from Egypt.
17I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon.
18Come, let us take our fill of love till morning. Let us delight in loving caresses! 19For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 45:8 | All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad. |
| 2 | Isaiah 57:7–9 | On a high and lofty hill you have made your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifices. Behind the door and doorpost you have set up your memorial. Forsaking Me, you uncovered your bed; you climbed up and opened it wide. And you have made a pact with those whose bed you have loved; you have gazed upon their nakedness. You went to Molech with oil and multiplied your perfumes. You have sent your envoys a great distance; you have descended even to Sheol itself. |
| 3 | Song of Solomon 4:13–14 | Your branches are an orchard of pomegranates with the choicest of fruits, with henna and nard, with nard and saffron, with calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of frankincense tree, with myrrh and aloes, with all the finest spices. |
| 4 | Song of Solomon 3:6 | Who is this coming up from the wilderness like a column of smoke, scented with myrrh and frankincense from all the spices of the merchant? |
| 5 | Exodus 30:23 | “Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, |
Proverbs 7:17 Summary
In Proverbs 7:17, the woman is trying to make her bed as appealing as possible to tempt the young man into sin. She uses expensive and fragrant spices like myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon to make her bed smell nice. This reminds us that sin can look and feel appealing at first, but it ultimately leads to trouble and heartache, as seen in Proverbs 7:27. We must be careful not to fall into temptation, and instead seek to follow God's path of righteousness, as seen in Psalm 119:35, and to find true fulfillment and pleasure in our relationship with Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the perfumed bed in Proverbs 7:17?
The perfumed bed represents the allure and temptation of sin, as the woman in the passage is trying to entice the young man into her bed, much like the devil tries to tempt us with sinful desires, as seen in 1 John 2:16.
What kind of spices are mentioned in Proverbs 7:17 and what do they symbolize?
The spices mentioned are myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon, which were highly valued and fragrant, symbolizing the allure and pleasure of sin, but also reminding us that true pleasure and fulfillment come from following God's commands, as seen in Psalm 119:35.
How does this verse relate to the theme of temptation in the Bible?
This verse highlights the theme of temptation, as the woman is using her charms to lure the young man into sin, reminding us that we must be vigilant and resist temptation, as warned in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, and instead seek to follow God's path of righteousness.
What can we learn from the woman's actions in Proverbs 7:17?
We can learn that sin often presents itself as appealing and desirable, but it ultimately leads to destruction, as seen in Proverbs 7:27, and that we must be cautious and discerning, seeking to follow God's wisdom and commands, as seen in Proverbs 2:6-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I am tempted to prioritize fleeting pleasures over a deep relationship with God?
- How can I cultivate a heart that seeks true fulfillment and pleasure in following God's commands, rather than seeking it in worldly desires?
- What are some practical ways that I can resist temptation and stay on the path of righteousness, as warned in Proverbs 7:25?
- How can I use the example of the woman in Proverbs 7:17 to examine my own motivations and actions, and to seek to live a life that honors God?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:17
I have perfumed my bed,.... As she had made it entertaining to the senses of seeing and feeling, it being showy and gaudy, soft and easy; so to the sense of smelling; and all to provoke lust, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:17
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. I have perfumed my bed. She appeals to every sense.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:17
Proverbs 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.Ver. 17. With myrrh, aloes, &c.] This might have minded the young man that he was going to his grave; for the bodies of the dead were so perfumed. Such a meditation would have much rebated his edge, cooled his courage. Jerusalem’ s filthiness was "in her skirts"; and why? "She remembered not her latter end" As the strokings of a dead hand, they say, cureth a tympany; and as the ashes of a viper applied to the part that is stung draws the venom out of it, so the serious thought of death will prove death to fleshly lusts. I meet with a story of one that gave a loose young man a ring with a death’ s head, with this condition, that he should one hour daily, for seven days together, look and think upon it, which bred a strange alteration in his life. Mr Ward’ s Sermons.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 7:17
Verse 17. I have perfumed any bed with Myrrh] מר mor, "aloes," אהלים ahalim, and "cinnamon," קנמון kinnamon. We have taken our names from the original words; but probably the ahalim may not mean aloes, which is no perfume; but sandal wood, which is very much used in the East. She had used every means to excite the passions she wished to bring into action.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:17
17. perfumed] or sprinkled, R.V. marg.; διέῤῥαγκα, LXX.; aspersi, Vulg. No sensual gratification shall be wanting. For a similar perfuming of garments see Psalms 45:8; Son 3:6; Son 4:14.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 7:17
The love of perfumes is here, as in Isaiah 3:24, a sign of luxurious vice. Cinnamon - The Hebrew word is identical with the English.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:17
17. My bed — ξωׁ ?λαι, (mishkabhi;) meaning the place to sleep on, as the couch or sofa, of Proverbs 7:16, is the place to recline upon.
Sermons on Proverbs 7:17
| Sermon | Description | |
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Revival - Part 1 by Doc Greenway | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience from a convention in Wales. He was unsure which text to preach from, but felt led to choose a passage from the book of Psal |
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Unity by Doc Greenway | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual unity among believers. He highlights the threat of disunity and the need for Christians to think the same way and |
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Exposition on Psalm 45 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the sacred Marriage-feast, symbolizing the union of the Bridegroom (Christ) and the Bride (the Church), emphasizing the transformation from old to new, |
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Psalm 45 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the beauty and majesty of Christ as the spiritual Bridegroom, emphasizing the believer's fervent commendation of Jesus and the eloquence in expressing due pra |
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Marked by Christly Fragrance by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the transformative power of experiencing the presence of Christ, likening it to the exquisite fragrance of myrrh and aloes. He reflects on how the scent of Ch |
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The Palace He Left by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the beauty of the character of Jesus Christ as depicted in the Old Testament, emphasizing His sacrifice and the blessings of His incarnation. The s |