Proverbs 7:22
Proverbs 7:22 in Multiple Translations
He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap,
He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
He goeth after her straightway, As an ox goeth to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the correction of the fool;
The simple man goes after her, like an ox going to its death, like a roe pulled by a cord;
He followed her right away, like an ox to the slaughter. Like a stag that's caught in a snare
And he followed her straight wayes, as an oxe that goeth to the slaughter, and as a foole to the stockes for correction,
He is going after her straightway, As an ox unto the slaughter he cometh, And as a fetter unto the chastisement of a fool,
He followed her immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter, as a fool stepping into a noose.
He goeth after her quickly, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
Immediately he followeth her as an ox led to be a victim, and as a lamb playing the wanton, and not knowing that he is drawn like a fool to bonds,
And he went with her immediately, like an ox that was going to where it would be slaughtered, or like a deer (OR, a fool) that is stepping into a noose/trap,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 7:22
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 7:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֤וֹלֵ֥ךְ
אַחֲרֶ֗י/הָ
פִּ֫תְאֹ֥ם
כְּ֭/שׁוֹר
אֶל
טָ֣בַח
יָב֑וֹא
וּ֝/כְ/עֶ֗כֶס
אֶל
מוּסַ֥ר
אֱוִֽיל
ה֤וֹלֵ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
אַחֲרֶ֗י/הָ
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
פִּ֫תְאֹ֥ם
pithʼôwm
H6597
suddenly
Adv
כְּ֭/שׁוֹר
shôwr
H7794
cattle
Prep | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
טָ֣בַח
ṭebach
H2874
slaughter
N-ms
יָב֑וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וּ֝/כְ/עֶ֗כֶס
ʻekeç
H5914
anklet
Conj | Prep | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מוּסַ֥ר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
N-ms
אֱוִֽיל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
fool(ish)
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 7:22
ה֤וֹלֵ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
אַחֲרֶ֗י/הָ
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
פִּ֫תְאֹ֥ם
pithʼôwm
H6597
"suddenly"
Adv
This word means happening suddenly or quickly, like an unexpected event. It is used in the Bible to describe surprising things that happen to people like Jacob and Joseph.
Definition: adv 1) suddenly, surprisingly subst 2) suddenness
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: straightway, sudden(-ly). See also: Numbers 6:9; Proverbs 7:22; Psalms 64:5.
כְּ֭/שׁוֹר
shôwr
H7794
"cattle"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
טָ֣בַח
ṭebach
H2874
"slaughter"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to the act of slaughter or the meat that results from it, and can also mean a place of slaughter. It is used to describe the brutal killing of animals or people. The concept is used in both literal and figurative senses.
Definition: 1) slaughter, slaughtering, animal 1a) slaughtering, slaughter (of animals) 1b) slaughter (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] beast, slaughter, [idiom] slay, [idiom] sore. See also: Genesis 43:16; Isaiah 65:12; Proverbs 7:22.
יָב֑וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וּ֝/כְ/עֶ֗כֶס
ʻekeç
H5914
"anklet"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
An anklet or bangle is a type of jewelry, also referred to as a fetter, which can be decorative or symbolic in biblical contexts.
Definition: anklet, bangle
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: stocks, tinkling ornament. See also: Proverbs 7:22; Isaiah 3:18.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מוּסַ֥ר
mûwçâr
H4148
"discipline"
N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
אֱוִֽיל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
"fool(ish)"
Adj
The Hebrew word for a foolish person, someone who despises wisdom or mocks when guilty. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are quarrelsome or licentious. The KJV translates it as 'fool' or 'foolish man'.
Definition: 1) be foolish, foolish 1a) (subst) 1a1) of one who despises wisdom 1a2) of one who mocks when guilty 1a3) of one who is quarrelsome 1a4) of one who is licentious
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish) (man). See also: Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 107:17.
Study Notes — Proverbs 7:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 7:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 7:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 7:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 7:22
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:22
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 7:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:22
- Sermons on Proverbs 7:22
Context — Warnings about the Adulteress
20He took with him a bag of money and will not return till the moon is full.”
21With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him.
22He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap,
23until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life. 24Now, my sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 13:27 | You put my feet in the stocks and stand watch over all my paths; You set a limit for the soles of my feet. |
| 2 | Acts 16:24 | On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. |
| 3 | Acts 14:13 | The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates, hoping to offer a sacrifice along with the crowds. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 20:2 | he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD. |
Proverbs 7:22 Summary
Proverbs 7:22 teaches us that when we follow our desires without thinking, we can get into trouble quickly, like an animal walking into a trap. This verse warns us about the dangers of acting on impulse, especially when it comes to relationships or decisions that can harm us. As seen in other parts of the Bible, like First Corinthians 6:18 and Second Timothy 2:22, it's essential to be careful and thoughtful in our choices, seeking wisdom and guidance from God and His Word. By being mindful of the influences in our lives and seeking wisdom, we can avoid the kind of harm described in Proverbs 7:22 and live a life that honors God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to follow someone on impulse, as described in Proverbs 7:22?
Following someone on impulse, as seen in Proverbs 7:22, means to act without careful thought or consideration, often leading to harmful consequences, similar to the reckless behavior warned against in Proverbs 4:14-15 and Ephesians 4:27.
Why is the man compared to an ox going to the slaughter in Proverbs 7:22?
The comparison of the man to an ox going to the slaughter in Proverbs 7:22 highlights his lack of awareness and understanding of the danger he is in, much like the warnings given in Psalms 49:20 and Proverbs 10:21, where the foolish are contrasted with the wise.
How does the use of the deer bounding into a trap in Proverbs 7:22 relate to the overall message of the verse?
The image of the deer bounding into a trap in Proverbs 7:22 illustrates the swift and unsuspecting nature of the man's downfall, serving as a warning to be cautious of temptation, as also seen in First Corinthians 10:12 and First Peter 5:8.
What can we learn from the man's actions in Proverbs 7:22 about the dangers of temptation?
The man's actions in Proverbs 7:22 demonstrate the importance of being mindful of the company we keep and the influences we allow in our lives, as warned in Proverbs 1:10-19 and Second Corinthians 6:14-18, emphasizing the need for discernment and wisdom in our daily choices.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be following impulses or desires without careful thought, and how can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 7:22 to these situations?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the influences and company I keep, and how can I surround myself with people and things that promote wisdom and righteousness, as encouraged in Proverbs 13:20 and Proverbs 27:17?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of the dangers of temptation and the importance of seeking wisdom, as emphasized in Proverbs 7:22 and other scriptures like James 1:14-15 and First Thessalonians 5:22?
- What role does self-control play in avoiding the kind of impulsive behavior described in Proverbs 7:22, and how can I develop greater self-control in my own life, as taught in Galatians 5:22-23 and Second Timothy 1:7?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 7:22
He goeth after her straightway,.... Or "suddenly" (g); and inconsiderately, giving himself no time to think of what would be the sad consequences of it; as an ox goeth to the slaughter; as senseless
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 7:22
He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 7:22
Straightway; without delay and consideration. As an ox to the slaughter; either being drawn and driven to it; or going to it securely, as if it were going to a good pasture. As a fool to the correction of the stocks; or, which is more agreeable to the order of the words in the Hebrew text, as one in fetters, or bound with fetters, to the correction of a fool, i.e. to receive such correction or punishment as belongs to fools; which may imply either, 1. That he hath no more sense of the shame and mischief which he is bringing upon himself than a fool. Or, 2. That he can no more resist the temptation, nor avoid the danger, than a man fast tied with chains or fetters can free himself, although his be a moral and voluntary, and not a natural impotency.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 7:22
Proverbs 7:22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;Ver. 22. He goeth after her straightway.] Without any consideration of the sad consequences. Lust had blinded and besotted him, and even transformed him into a brute. Nos animas etiam incarnavimus, saith one. Many men have made their very spirit a lump of flesh, and are hurried on to hell with greatest violence. Chide them, you do but give medicine in a fit; counsel them, you do but give advice to a man that is running a race; be your counsel never so good, he cannot stay to hear you, but will be ready to answer, as Antipater did when one presented him with a book treating of happiness, he rejected it, and said ουσχολαζω, I have no leisure to read such discourses. As an ox goeth to the slaughter.] When he thinks he goeth to the pasture; or as those oxen brought forth by Jupiter’ s priest, with garlands unto the gates, but it was for a slain sacrifice. Fatted ware are but fitted for the shambles. Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks.] Such stocks as Paul and Silas (yet no fools) were thrust into, feet and neck also, as the word there signifieth This the fool fears not till he feels; till his head be cooled, and his heels too till he hath slept out his drunkenness, and then he finds where he is, and must stick by it. See this exemplified in Proverbs 5:11.
How many such fools have we today ( mori morantur quocunque sub axe morantur) that rejoice in their spiritual bondage, and dance to hell in their bolts, as one saith; nay, are weary of deliverance. They sit in the stocks when they are at prayers, and come out of the church when the tedious sermon runs somewhat beyond the hour, like prisoners out of a jail. The devil is at inn with such, saith Master Bradford; and the devil will keep holiday, as it were in hell, in respect of such, saith another. Beza in loc.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 7:22
(22) Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks.—This sense is only gained by a transposition of the original. It has been attempted to translate it literally “and as if in fetters to where one corrects fools,” i.e., to prison.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 7:22
Verse 22. As an ox goeth to the slaughter] The original of this and the following verse has been variously translated. Dr. Grey corrects and translates thus: "He goeth after her straightway, as an OX goeth to the SLAUGHTER; as a DOG to the CHAIN; and as a DEER till the DART strike through his liver; as a BIRD hasteneth to the SNARE, and knoweth not that it is for its life." Very slight alterations in the Hebrew text produce these differences; but it is not necessary to pursue them; all serve to mark the stupidity and folly of the man who is led away by enticing women or who lives a life of intemperance.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 7:22
22. straightway] “Heb. suddenly,” A.V. and R.V. margins. He has been as one hesitating on the brink. Now he takes the sudden plunge. “Here is evidently a stroke in the picture of the profoundest psychological truth.” Lange, Comm. as a fool to the correction of the stocks] This rendering is reached by transposing the Heb. words fool and stocks. The rendering of R.V. text, as fetters to the correction of the fool, is literal, and is taken to mean, as senselessly and as certainly as the dumb instruments of his punishment dog the steps of the fool. The alternative of R.V. marg., as one in fetters, is admissible in grammar, but loses the point of comparison, viz. his entire oblivion of consequences. The reading of the LXX., ὥσπερκύωνἐπὶδεσμούς, “as a dog to his chain,” keeps all three comparisons to animals, and at the same time favours the suggestion that the text is corrupt.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 7:22
As a fool ... - literally, “As a fetter to the correction of a fool,” the order of which is inverted in the King James Version The Septuagint, followed by the Syriac Version, has another reading, and
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 7:22
22, 23. He goeth after her — The participle äåìêְ, (holekh,) goeth, involves its own nominative, which may as well be an indefinite one, he who, or whoever; and the teacher may not so much intend to
Sermons on Proverbs 7:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Time by David Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual readiness and living a life pleasing to God. It highlights the need to be time-conscious, wake up from spiritual slumber, clean u |
|
1 Corinthians 14:1 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of being consumed by the desire for wealth and the importance of using wealth for the benefit of others. He emphasizes the need to priori |