Proverbs 6:25 — Word Study
WLCאַל־ תַּחְמֹ֣ד יָ֭פְיָהּ בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ וְאַל־ תִּ֝קָּֽחֲךָ֗ בְּעַפְעַפֶּֽיהָ׃
BSADo notʼal [desire deeply, lust after] lustchâmad▸ in your heartlêbâb [mind, will, and emotions] for her beautyyŏphîy [loveliness, attractive quality] or let her captivate youlâqach▸ [take you with her eyes, enthrall] with her eyesʻaphʻaph [eyelids, gaze]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אַל־ | may not | Particle |
| תַּחְמֹ֣ד | you desire | Verb, Qal, jussive second person masculine singular |
| יָ֭פְיָהּ | beauty her | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ | in heart your | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וְאַל־ | and may not | Conjunction, particle |
| תִּ֝קָּֽחֲךָ֗ | she capture you | Verb qal jussive third person feminine singular, suffix |
| בְּעַפְעַפֶּֽיהָ׃ | with eyelids her | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. |
| KJV | Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. |
| ASV | Lust not after her beauty in thy heart; Neither let her take thee with her eyelids. |
| YLT | Desire not her beauty in thy heart, And let her not take thee with her eyelids. |
| WEB | Don’t lust after her beauty in your heart, neither let her captivate you with her eyelids. |
| BBE | Let not your heart's desire go after her fair body; let not her eyes take you prisoner. |
Translations consistently express the warning against lusting after beauty, maintaining the same core message.
The sentence is structured around a main command with additional phrases that clarify the context and implications of the desire.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbחָמַד
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 6:25
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Warning Against Adulterygenerated
Proverbs 6:25 is part of a broader admonition to avoid the temptations posed by an immoral woman. The surrounding verses emphasize the dangers of succumbing to lust and the consequences that follow, illustrating the importance of self-control and vigilance in matters of the heart.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 11:2–5 | One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. |
| 2 | Matthew 5:28 | But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. |
| 3 | James 1:14–15 | But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. |
| 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 | Song of Solomon 4:9 |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תַּחְמֹ֣ד, tach.Modgenerated
The verb חָמַד (chamad) is a jussive form, indicating a strong desire or longing. It conveys a sense of deep emotional attachment, often associated with coveting something precious. In this context, it warns against the intense desire for an adulteress, which can lead to destructive outcomes.
This word appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, often in contexts that highlight the beauty and desirability of something, making it a fitting choice here to express the allure of the immoral woman.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The verse is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible as Do not lust in your heart for her beauty, which aligns with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb תַּחְמֹ֣ד, you desire, governs the structure of the verse, with two phrases following it: one indicating the object of desire and the other a consequence of that desire. The order emphasizes the act of desiring first, followed by the implications of that desire.
The use of the negative particle אַל at the beginning and again later in the verse sets a prohibitive tone, framing the entire statement as a strong warning against succumbing to temptation.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates חָמַד as νικήσῃ (to conquer), which suggests a broader interpretation of desire that includes the idea of being overcome or defeated by lust. This choice indicates a potential for loss of control rather than mere admiration.
The LXX also reflects the same caution against the allure of beauty, reinforcing the message found in the Hebrew text.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 6:25 warns against lusting after the beauty of an immoral woman and being captivated by her gaze. It emphasizes the importance of guarding one's heart and avoiding temptation.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Lusting in your heart refers to having deep desires or cravings for someone, particularly in a way that can lead to immoral actions.
The heart represents the innermost thoughts and emotions, making it crucial to guard against desires that can lead to temptation.
Guarding against temptation involves being mindful of one's thoughts and desires, avoiding situations that may lead to lust, and focusing on healthy relationships.
Giving in to lust can lead to destructive behaviors, broken relationships, and emotional pain, as highlighted in the surrounding verses.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I guard my heart against desires that lead to temptation?
- What are some practical steps I can take to avoid being captivated by appearances?
- In what ways can I cultivate healthy relationships that honor my values?
- How does this verse apply to my life and the choices I make daily?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Bede comments on this verse, warning against being captured by the glances of the immoral, drawing parallels to the dangers of heretical teachings.
Do not be captured by her glances. This applies to the adulteress. But even if heretics seem to live and act well, be careful not to be deceived by their doctrines.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 6 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 6:25 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleLust not after her beauty in thine heart,.... Do not look upon it with the eye, nor dwell upon it in the thought; the one will lead on to and kindle last in the heart, and the other will cherish it
Read John Gill on Proverbs 6 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryLust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart. Not only the outward act but the inward desire is sin (Matthew 5:28; cf. Exodus 20:17).
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 6 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleLust not after her beauty in thine heart; do not give way to, nor delight thyself with, unchaste thoughts or affections. Compare . With her eyelids; either with her beauty, which consists much in the eyes; or rather, with her amours and wanton glances.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 6 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.Ver. 25. Lust not after her beauty.] Aureliae Orestillae praeter formam nihil unquam bonus laudavit. Aurelia Orestilla had beauty indeed, but nothing else that was praise worthy, saith the historian. How much better Aspasia Milesia, of whom Aelian reports that she was fair and modest. And the Lady Jane Gray, whose excellent beauty was adorned with all variety of virtues, as a clear sky with stars, as a princely diadem with jewels. Some women are like Helen without, Hecuba within; but it is a small praise to have a good face and a naughty nature - a beautiful countenance and a base life. In…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 6 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 25. Neither let her take thee with her eye-lids.] It is a very general custom in the East to paint the eye-lids. I have many Asiatic drawings in which this is expressed. They have a method of polishing the eyes with a preparation of antimony, so that they appear with an indescribable lustre; or, as one who mentions the fact from observation, "Their eyes appear to be swimming in bliss."
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 6 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges25. eyelids] Painted probably after the Eastern fashion. Comp. 2 Kings 9:30. “They paint or blacken the eyelids with kǒ ?hl, and prolong the application in a descending pencil, so as to lengthen and reduce the eye in appearance to what is called almond shape. The practice is extremely ancient, for such painted eyes are found in the oldest Egyptian tombs. It imparts a peculiar brilliancy to the eye and a languishing amorous cast to the whole countenance.” Thomson, Land and Book, p. 461.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 6 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleEyelids - Possibly pointing to the Eastern custom of painting the eyes on the outside with kohl so as to give brightness and languishing expression.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 6 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible25. Take thee with her eyelids — Captivate with her eyelids. Oriental women paint their eyebrows and eyelids, giving, as is thought, great artificial beauty to them.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 6 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
Don’t lust after her beauty in your heart, neither let her captivate you with her eyelids.
Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
Do not lust in your heart for her beauty, and do not let her captivate you with her alluring eyes;
Tyndale line
Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Lust not after her beauty in thy heart; Neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Lust not after her beauty in thy heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Desire not her beautie in thine heart, neither let her take thee with her eye lids.
Strictly literal
Lust not after her beauty in thy heart, neither let her take thee with her eyelids;
Desire not her beauty in thy heart, And let her not take thee with her eyelids.
Do not desire her beauty in your heart, || And do not let her take you with her eyelids.
Covet not her beauty in thy heart, and let her not conquer thee with her eyelids.
Do not lust in your heart after her beauty and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes.
From the Latin
Let not thy heart covet her beauty, be not caught with her winks:
Simplified
Don't let your mind lust after her beauty, or let her hypnotize you with her fluttering eyelashes.
Let not your heart's desire go after her fair body; let not her eyes take you prisoner.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint show agreement in the overall message of the verse, although only four of the seven words match directly. The Hebrew structure emphasizes the prohibition against desire, while the Greek translation captures the essence of being conquered by such desires.
אַל־ תַּחְמֹ֣ד יָ֭פְיָהּ בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ וְאַל־ תִּ֝קָּֽחֲךָ֗ בְּעַפְעַפֶּֽיהָ׃
4 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 6:25
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.
אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
base
H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
408 'al al
a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified
negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,
nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing
(worth), rather than.
see HEBREW for 03808
אַל (al) — not.
1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)
1a) do not, let not (with a verb)
1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)
1c) not, no (with substantive)
1d) nothing (as substantive)
Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Part — ParticleHTn
The Hebrew word חָמַד (chamad) is a primitive root meaning to desire or take pleasure in something. It encompasses a range of meanings including delight, coveting, and preciousness, with related forms like חֲמוּדָה (chamudah) referring to desirableness. The word appears in various contexts, reflecting strong emotional attachment or value.
חָמַד vb. desire, take pleasure in
Qal desire
Niph. desirable
Pi. delight greatly
base
[חֲמוּדָה] n.f. desirableness, preciousness
base
H2530a חָמַד desire, take pleasure in .desire
. desirable
. delight greatly
H2530b חֲמוּדָה desirableness, preciousness
2530 chamad khaw-mad'
a primitive root; to delight in:--beauty, greatly beloved,
covet, delectable thing, (X great) delight, desire, goodly,
lust, (be) pleasant (thing), precious (thing).
חָמַד (cha.mad) — to desire.
v
1) to desire, covet, take pleasure in, delight in
1a) (Qal) to desire
1b) (Niphal) to be desirable
1c) (Piel) to delight greatly, desire greatly
חֲמוּדָה (cha.mu.dah) — precious thing.
desirableness, preciousness
V-Qal-Juss-2ms — Verb · Qal · jussive second person masculine singularHVqj2ms
de-zir': The verb "to desire" in the Scriptures usually means "to long for," "to ask for," "to demand," and may be used in a good or bad sense (compare De 7:25 the King James Version). the Revised Version (British and American) frequently renders the more literal meaning of the Hebrew. Compare Job 20:20, "delight"; Pr 21:20, "precious"; Ps 40:6, "delight"; aiteo (except Col 1:9), and erotao (except Lu 7:36) are rendered "to ask" and zeteo, "to seek" (compare Lu 9:9 et. al.). The Hebrew kacaph, literally, "to lose in…
→ SPIRITUAL De 4:29; Ps 9:1; 17:1; 22:26; 24:6; 25:5,15; 27:8,14; 33:20; 34:10; 37:4,7,9,34; 39:12; 40:1,8; 42:1-11; 51:1-17; 62:1; 63:1,8; 68:28; 69:3,32; 70:4; 81:10; 84:2; 86:11,12,16; 94:19; 105:4; 118:17; 119:2,10,20,40,77,88,116,117,122,133,149,156; 123:1,2; 130:5,6; 143:5,6; Pr 2:3-5; 8:17,34; Isa 8:17,19; 26:8,9; 40:31; 55:1,2,6; Jer 29:13; La 3:25,26,41; Ho 10:12; Hab 3:2; Mt 5:6;
יֳפִי (yophiy) means 'beauty' and is derived from the root word represented by Strong's H3302. The entries consistently define it as a noun referring to beauty, without any significant disagreement among the lexicons.
[יֳפִי] n.m. beauty
base
H3308 [יֳפִי] beauty
3308 yophiy yof-ee'
from 3302; beauty:--beauty.
see HEBREW for 03302
יֳפִי (yo.phi) — beauty.
beauty
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3fs
לֵבָב (lebab) refers to the inner man, encompassing the mind, will, and heart. It highlights aspects like emotions, moral character, and conscience, often contrasting the inner self with the outer. The term is used primarily for humans and can also denote courage and appetites.
לֵבָב 251 n.m. inner man, mind, will, heart
seldom of things in the midst of the seas
usu. of men
the inner man in contrast with the outer
the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
specific ref. to mind
spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will
spec. ref. to conscience
spec. ref. to moral character
= the man himself
spec. as seat of appetites
spec. of seat of the emotions and passions
seat of courage
base
H3824 לֵבָב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the seas
. usu. of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer
. the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
. specific ref. to mind
. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will
. spec. ref. to conscience
. spec. ref. to moral character
. = the man himself
. spec. as seat of appetites
. spec. of seat of the emotions and passions
. seat of courage
3824 lebab lay-bawb'
from 3823; the heart (as the most interior organ); used also
like 3820:--+ bethink themselves, breast, comfortably,
courage, ((faint), (tender-)heart((-ed)), midst, mind, X
unawares, understanding.
see HEBREW for 03823
see HEBREW for 03820
לֵבָב (le.vav) — heart.
1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, 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
Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp2ms
אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.
אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
base
H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition
408 'al al
a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified
negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,
nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing
(worth), rather than.
see HEBREW for 03808
אַל (al) — not.
1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)
1a) do not, let not (with a verb)
1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)
1c) not, no (with substantive)
1d) nothing (as substantive)
Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
HC/Tn — Conjunction · particleHC/Tn
The Hebrew word לָקַח (*laqach*) means 'to take' and encompasses a wide range of actions, including to receive, seize, capture, and carry away. It can refer to taking something in hand, taking a wife, or even taking vengeance. The verb has various forms indicating different nuances, such as being taken away or captured.
לָקַח 965 vb. take
Qal
take, take in hand
take and carry along with oneself
take from, or out of
take, carry away
take away from, so as to deprive of
esp. take away life
take to or for a person
take up, upon = put upon
= fetch
take = lead, conduct (with or without contact)
take = capture, seize
take = carry off
in phr. take vengeance
Niph.
be captured, of ark
be taken away, removed
be taken, brought unto
Pu.
be taken from, out of
= be stolen from
be taken captive
be taken away, removed
Hoph.
be taken, brought unto
be taken out of
be taken away from
Hithp. lit. fire taking hold of itself, of lightning
base
H3947 לָקַח take .. take, take in hand
. take and carry along with oneself
. . take from, or out of
. take, carry away
. take away from, so as to deprive of
. esp. take away life
. take to or for a person
. take up, upon = put upon
. = fetch
. take = lead, conduct (with or without contact)
. take = capture, seize
. take = carry off
. in phr. take vengeance
. . be captured, of ark
. be taken away, removed
. be taken, brought unto
. . be taken from, out of
. = be stolen from
. be taken captive
. be taken away, removed
. . be taken, brought unto
. be taken out of
. be taken away from
. lit. fire taking hold of itself, of lightning
3947 laqach law-kakh'
a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of
applications):--accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch,
get, infold, X many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve,
seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.
לָקַח (la.qach) — to take: take.
: take
1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to take, take in the hand
1a2) to take and carry along
1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away
1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept
1a5) to take up or upon, put upon
1a6) to fetch
1a7) to take, lead, conduct
1a8) to take, capture, seize
1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be captured
1b2) to be taken away, be removed
1b3) to be taken, brought unto
1c) (Pual)
1c1) to be taken from or out of
1c2) to be stolen from
1c3) to be taken captive
1c4) to be taken away, be removed
1d) (Hophal)
1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto
1d2) to be taken out of
1d3) to be taken away
1e) (Hithpael)
1e1) to take hold of oneself
V-Qal-Juss-2ms | Suff — Verb qal jussive third person feminine singular · suffixHVqj3fs/Sp2ms
עַפְעַף (aph'aph) refers to an eyelid, derived from a root meaning to flutter. It can also figuratively describe the rays of the morning sun or dawn. The entries consistently emphasize its primary meaning related to the eyelid, with a secondary figurative use.
[עַפְעַף] n.m. eyelid
base
H6079 עַפְעַף
6079 `aph`aph af-af'
from 5774; an eyelash (as fluttering); figuratively, morning
ray:--dawning, eye-lid.
see HEBREW for 05774
עַפְעַף (aph.aph) — eyelid.
1) eyelid
1a) eyelid
1b) of dawn, rays of sun (fig.)
Prep | N-mp | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHR/Ncmpc/Sp3fs