Proverbs 7:16 — Word Study
WLCמַ֭רְבַדִּים רָבַ֣דְתִּי עַרְשִׂ֑י חֲ֝טֻב֗וֹת אֵט֥וּן מִצְרָֽיִם׃
BSAI have deckedrâbad△■ [spread, covered] my bedʻeres [couch, place of rest] ◂with coveringsmarbad [tapestry, blankets] with coloredchăṭubâh△ linenʼêṭûwn△ [fine, twisted yarn] from EgyptMitsrayim [imported from, brought from, the land of the Egyptians]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| מַ֭רְבַדִּים | coverings | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| רָבַ֣דְתִּי | I have spread | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
| עַרְשִׂ֑י | couch my | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| חֲ֝טֻב֗וֹת | colored fabrics | Verb, Qal, participle (passive) feminine plural |
| אֵט֥וּן | linen of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| מִצְרָֽיִם׃ | Egypt | Noun proper |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linen from Egypt. |
| KJV | I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. |
| ASV | I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, With striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt. |
| YLT | [With] ornamental coverings I decked my couch, Carved works — cotton of Egypt. |
| WEB | I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt. |
| BBE | My bed is covered with cushions of needlework, with coloured cloths of the cotton thread of Egypt; |
The translations agree on the rendering of מַ֭רְבַדִּים as coverings — see How Translations Differ.
One main clause with two phrases providing detail about the coverings and the materials used.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbרָבַד
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
3 of 6 occur nowhere else in the Old Testament — words chosen on purpose.
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 7:16
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 — The Call to Seductiongenerated
Proverbs 7:16 is part of a poetic warning against seduction, where the speaker prepares a bed adorned with beautiful fabrics, inviting the listener into a moment of intimacy. This imagery is rich and layered, illustrating the allure of temptation and the dangers that accompany it, as seen in surrounding verses that emphasize the seductive nature of the invitation.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Song of Solomon 1:16 | |
| 2 | Song of Solomon 3:7–10 | |
| 3 | Revelation 2:22 | Behold, I will cast her onto a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer great tribulation unless they repent of her deeds. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 10:28 | Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. |
| 5 | Isaiah 19:9 | The workers in flax will be dismayed, and the weavers of fine linen will turn pale. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מַ֭רְבַדִּים, Mar.va.dimgenerated
The word מַרְבַדִּים (Mar.va.dim) is a masculine plural noun derived from the root meaning to cover. It refers to coverings or spreads, often used decoratively, such as tapestries or blankets. This term emphasizes the luxurious nature of the bed, suggesting a sense of comfort and allure.
In this verse, it highlights the speaker's intent to create an inviting atmosphere, enhancing the seductive nature of the invitation. The use of מַרְבַדִּים indicates not just any covering, but one that is meant to impress and entice.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The verse is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses coverings for מַ֭רְבַדִּים.
Sentence Structuregenerated
This verse features a main verb, רָבַ֣דְתִּי, I have spread, which governs the noun phrase מַ֭רְבַדִּים coverings and further describes the object with additional noun phrases. The structure emphasizes the act of preparation and adornment.
The Hebrew word order places the verb first, highlighting the action of spreading before detailing the luxurious coverings, which enhances the inviting tone of the invitation.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates מַ֭רְבַדִּים as κειρίαις (keiriais), which means 'coverlets' or 'bed coverings.' This choice suggests a focus on the decorative aspect of the bed, aligning with the overall theme of seduction.
The choice of words in the Septuagint reflects a similar emphasis on the luxurious nature of the bed, reinforcing the allure presented in the Hebrew text.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 7:16 describes a speaker who has decorated their bed with beautiful coverings, inviting someone to enjoy a moment of intimacy. This verse highlights the seductive nature of the invitation, emphasizing the luxurious details of the preparations.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The phrase indicates that the speaker has decorated their bed with luxurious coverings, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Colored linen from Egypt suggests luxury and high quality, enhancing the seductive nature of the invitation.
The verse warns against seduction and temptation, illustrating the allure of an inviting setting.
It fits into a larger poetic warning about the dangers of seduction, emphasizing the preparations made to entice the listener.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some ways that I can recognize temptation in my life, similar to the warning in this verse?
- How can I create an inviting atmosphere in my relationships that is healthy and respectful?
- What are the dangers of giving in to seductive invitations, as illustrated in this passage?
- In what ways can I be mindful of the influences around me that may lead me away from wise choices?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early commentary from Bede discusses the nature of the bed's construction and its implications for comfort and allure.
I have woven my bed with cords, etc. Beds that are woven with cords, or according to another translation, with withes, are usually softer than those made of wood, leather, or any other material.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 7 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 7:16 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleI have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry,.... Made use of by the ancients (o) for bed clothes: beautiful ornaments, as Gersom; and precious garments, as Jarchi.
Read John Gill on Proverbs 7 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryI have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved (works), with fine linen of Egypt.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 7 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleShe designs to inflame his lust by the mention of the bed, and by its ornaments and perfumes.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 7 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 7:16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved [works], with fine linen of Egypt.Ver. 16. I have decked my bed.] Lest haply by being abroad so late he should question where to have a bed, she assures him of a dainty one, with curious curtains.
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 7 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(16) Carved works.—Rather, with coloured or striped coverlets. For another notice of the extravagance of the women of Jerusalem, see Isaiah 3, and for a description of the trade of Tyre, the great supplier of foreign luxuries, see Ezek. xxvii Myrrh is said to be a natural product of Arabia, aloes and cinnamon of the east coast of Africa and Ceylon.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 7 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 16. I have decked my bed] ערשי arsi, "my couch or sofa;" distinguished from משכבי mishcabi, "my bed," Proverbs 7:17, the place to sleep on, as the other was the place to recline on at meals. The tapestry, מרבדים marbaddim, mentioned here seems to refer to the covering of the sofa; exquisitely woven and figured cloth. חטבות אטון chatuboth etun, the Targum translates painted carpets, such as were manufactured in Egypt; some kind of embroidered or embossed stuff is apparently meant.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 7 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges16. deckt … with. coverings] Lit. covered … with coverings, or cushioned … with cushions, the words being two forms of the same Heb. root, which does not occur elsewhere. bed] or, couch: a different and more poetic word than that in Proverbs 7:17. It is used for a couch of moss and flowers, “also our couch is green,” Son 1:16. with carved works &c.] Rather, with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt, R.V. If the rendering of A.V., “And king Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt and linen yarn” (1 Kings 10:28), could stand, we should have an interesting historical light thrown upon this verse. It is now, however, generally thought that the Hebrew word (lit. string) does not mean yarn, but a…
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 7 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe words point to the art and commerce which flourished under Solomon. Carved works - Most commentators take the original as meaning “striped coverlets of linen of Egypt.”
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 7 →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
I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linen from Egypt.
I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.
I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linen from Egypt.
I have spread my bed with elegant coverings, with richly colored fabric from Egypt.
Tyndale line
I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.
I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, With striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.
I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.
I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works , with fine linen of Egypt.
I haue deckt my bed with ornaments, carpets and laces of Egypt.
Strictly literal
I have decked my bed with tapestry coverlets of variegated linen from Egypt;
[With] ornamental coverings I decked my couch, Carved works — cotton of Egypt.
I decked my bed [with] ornamental coverings, || Carved works—cotton of Egypt.
With tapestry coverings have I decked my bed, with embroidered coverlids of the fine linen of Egypt.
I have spread coverings on my bed, colored linens from Egypt.
From the Latin
I have woven my bed with cords, I have covered it with painted tapestry, brought from Egypt.
Simplified
My bed is made, covered with colorful linens from Egypt.
My bed is covered with cushions of needlework, with coloured cloths of the cotton thread of Egypt;
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 of Proverbs 7:16 states, "מַ֭רְבַדִּים רָבַ֣דְתִּי עַרְשִׂ֑י חֲ֝טֻב֗וֹת אֵט֥וּן מִצְרָֽיִם׃" which translates to, "I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linen from Egypt." The Septuagint, while not providing a direct translation, matches 5 of the 6 words from the Masoretic Text in its word-by-word correspondence, indicating a general agreement in content. However, the specific wording and structure may differ due to the nature of translation. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide additional variants for this verse, thus supporting the Masoretic Text's reading without notable differences.
מַ֭רְבַדִּים רָבַ֣דְתִּי עַרְשִׂ֑י חֲ֝טֻב֗וֹת אֵט֥וּן מִצְרָֽיִם׃
5 of the 6 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 7:16
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.
מַרְבָד (marbad) refers to a type of covering or spread, specifically a coverlet or tapestry. It is derived from the root word meaning to cover. The entries consistently describe it as a textile used for covering.
[מַרְבָד] n.[m.] spread, coverlet
base
H4765 מַרְבָד, מַרְבַד
4765 marbad mar-bad'
from 7234; a coverlet:--covering of tapestry.
see HEBREW for 07234
מַרְבָד (mar.vad) — covering.
spread, coverlet
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
רָבַד (rabad) is a primitive root meaning 'to spread' or 'to deck.' It covers the idea of spreading out or bespreading something, as noted in various lexicons. The entries consistently emphasize this notion without significant disagreement.
[רָבַד] vb. be-spread, deck
base
H7234 רָבַד
7234 rabad raw-bad'
a primitive root; to spread:--deck.
רָבַד (ra.vad) — to spread.
(Qal) to spread, bespread, deck
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
עֶ֫רֶשׂ (eres) refers to a couch or divan, derived from a root that suggests an arching shape. The term is used to denote a bed or sleeping place, with its primary meaning centered around furniture for resting.
עֶ֫רֶשׂ n.f. couch, divan
base
H6210 עֶ֫רֶשׂ couch, divan
6210 `eres eh'res
from an unused root meaning perhaps to arch; a couch
(properly, with a canopy):--bed(-stead), couch.
עֶ֫רֶשׂ (e.re.s) — bed.
couch, divan, bed
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp1bs
חֲטֻבוֹת (chatubah) is a feminine passive participle derived from חָטַב (chataḇ), meaning a carving or tapestry. It refers specifically to colored or dark-hued fabrics, appearing in Proverbs 7:16. The entries indicate a focus on the artistic and decorative aspects of these textiles.
חֲטֻבוֹת n.f.pl. dark-hued stuffs, only in Pr 7:16
ref
H2405 חֲטֻבוֹת, חֲטֻבָה
2405 chatubah khat-oo-baw'
feminine passive participle of 2404; properly, a carving;
hence, a tapestry (as figured):--carved.
see HEBREW for 02404
חֲטֻבוֹת (cha.tu.vah) — colored.
coloured fabric, dark-hued stuffs
N-fp — Verb · Qal · participle (passive) feminine pluralHVqsfpa
אֵטוּן (etuwn) refers to thread or yarn, specifically fine linen. It is derived from an unused root that likely means to bind, suggesting a connection to twisted materials. The term appears in Proverbs 7:16.
אֵטוּן n.[m.] thread, yarn Pr 7:16
ref
H330 אֵטוּן
330 'etuwn ay-toon'
from an unused root (probably meaning to bind); properly,
twisted (yarn), i.e. tapestry:--fine linen.
אֵטוּן (e.tun) — fine linen.
linen, yarn, thread
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
מִצְרַ֫יִם (mitsrayim) refers to Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa known for the Nile River. The term can denote both the land and its inhabitants, the Egyptians. It is derived from a dual form suggesting Upper and Lower Egypt, and is linked to the biblical figure Mizraim, a son of Ham. The lexicons note its significance in the context of the table of nations.
מִצְרַ֫יִם 681 n.pr.terr. et gent. Egypt, Egyptians
of land, Egypt
combinations
of people:
in table of nations, personif. as second son of Ham
= Egypt (as a people), Egyptians
base
H4714 מִצְרַ֫יִם Egypt, Egyptians . . of land, Egypt
. combinations
. of people: . in table of nations, personif. as second son of Ham
. = Egypt (as a people), Egyptians
4714 Mitsrayim mits-rah'-yim
dual of 4693; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt:--Egypt,
Egyptians, Mizraim.
see HEBREW for 04693
מִצְרַ֫יִם (mits.ra.yim) — Egypt.
§ Egypt = "land of the Copts"
a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows
Egyptians = "double straits"
מִצְרַ֫יִם (mits.ra.yim) — Egypt.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.6;
son of: Ham (H2526);
brother of: Canaan (H3667), Cush (H3568) and Put (H6316);
father of: Ludim (H3866), Anamim (H6047), Lehabim (H3853), Naphtuhim (H5320), Pathrusim (H6625), Casluhim (H3695) and Caphtorim (H3732)
§ Egypt = "land of the Copts"
1) a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows
Egyptians = "double straits"
adj
2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
מִצְרַ֫יִם (mits.ra.yim) — (Sea of) Egypt.
§ Egypt = "land of the Copts"
N-proper — Noun properHNpl
e'-jipt:
I. THE COUNTRY
1. The Basis of the Land 2. The Nile Valley 3. Earliest Human Remains 4. Climate 5. Conditions of Life 6. The Nile 7. The Fauna 8. The Flora 9. The Prehistoric Races
II. THE HISTORY
1. 1st and 2nd Ages: Prehistoric 2. 3d Age: Ist and IInd Dynasties 3. 4th Age: IIIrd through VIth Dynasties 4. 5th Age: VIIth through XIVth Dynasties 5. 6th Age: XVth through XXIVth Dynasties 6. 7th Age: XXVth Dynasty to Roman Times 7. 8th Age: Arabic 8. Early Foreign Connections
III. THE OLD TESTAMENT CONNECTIONS
1. Semitic Connections 2. Abramic Times 3. Circumcision 4. Joseph 5. Descent into Egypt 6. The Oppression 7. The Historic Position 8. The Plagues 9. Date of the Exodus 10. Route of the Exodus 11. Numbers of the Exodus 12. Israel in Canaan 13. Hadad 14. Pharaoh's Daughter 15. Shishak 16. Zerakh 17. The Ethiopians 18. Tahpanhes 19. Hophra 20. The Jews of Syene 21. The New Jerusalem…
Egypt
The land of the Nile and the pyramids, the oldest kingdom of which we have any record, holds a place of great significance in Scripture.
The Egyptians belonged to the white race, and their original home is still a matter of dispute. Many scholars believe that it was in Southern Arabia, and recent excavations have shown that the valley of the Nile was originally inhabited by a low-class population, perhaps belonging to the Nigritian stock, before the Egyptians of history entered it. The ancient Egyptian language, of which the latest form is Coptic, is distantly connected with the Semitic family of speech.
Egypt consists geographically of two halves, the northern being the Delta, and the southern Upper Egypt, between Cairo and the First Cataract. In the Old Testament, Northern or Lower Egypt is called Mazor, “the fortified land” (Isa.…
(land of the Copts), a country occupying the northeast angle of Africa. Its limits appear always to have been very nearly the same. It is bounded on the north by the Mediterranean Sea, on the east by Palestine, Arabia and the Red Sea, on the south by Nubia, and on the west by the Great Desert. It is divided into upper Egypt --the valley of the Nile --and lower Egypt, the plain of the Delta, from the Greek letter; it is formed by the branching mouths of the Nile, and the Mediterranean Sea. The portions made fertile by the Nile comprise about 9582 square geographical miles, of which only about 5600 is under cultivation. --Encyc. Brit. The Delta extends about 200 miles along the Mediterranean, and Egypt is 520 miles long from north to south from the sea to the First Cataract. NAMES. --The common name of Egypt in the Bible is "Mizraim." It is in the dual number, which indicates the two…
A celebrated country in the north of Africa, at the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. The Hebrews called it Mizraim, Ge 10:6, and hence it is now called by the Arabs, Mizr. The Greeks and Romans called it Aegyptus, whence Egypt; but the origin of this name is unknown.
The habitable land of Egypt is for the most part a great valley, through which the river Nile pours its waters, extending in a straight line from north to south, and skirted on the east and west by ranges of mountains, which approach and recede from the river more or less in different parts. Where this valley terminates, towards the north, the Nile divides itself, about forty or fifty miles from the seacoast, into several arms, which inclose the so-called Delta. The ancients numbered seven arms and mouths; the eastern was that of Pelusium, now that of Tineh; and the…