Proverbs 6:29-32
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The Hebrew word used for "innocent" here actually carries a double meaning, suggesting that not only will the adulterer face punishment, but they will also be found impure and morally tainted by the act. This goes beyond just earthly consequences, highlighting the deep spiritual corruption that such sin brings.
So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished. People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house. He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse follows a series of vivid warnings against adultery, likening it to dangerous actions like putting fire in one's lap or walking on hot coals. The preceding verses emphasize the inescapable, destructive consequences of such sin. This specific verse directly states that engaging in adultery with a neighbor's wife is as sure to bring severe punishment as these physical dangers are to cause harm.
It's easy to think we can get away with certain sins, especially those hidden from others. But does the Bible suggest such a thing is possible?
Proverbs uses powerful analogies to show that sin, particularly adultery, has built-in consequences.
The word 'touches' seems so light, so insignificant. How can such a small action lead to severe consequences?
In the context of Proverbs and ancient Hebrew thought, 'touching' in relation to adultery carries a much deeper, more serious meaning than casual contact.
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Understand the original words
naqah · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew concept of 'punishment' or 'guilt' (naqah) implies being held accountable or declared guilty before the law. It conveys the certainty of divine or judicial retribution for moral transgression.
gannab · Hebrew Noun
One who takes property belonging to another without permission. In biblical law, theft is a violation of the commandment to love one's neighbor and respect property, though it is viewed through different lenses depending on the necessity of the thief.
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The physical or metaphorical desire or craving of a person. It refers to the basic human drive for sustenance or satisfaction, which, if left uncontrolled, can lead to sinful behavior.
shalam · Hebrew Verb
In biblical law and wisdom, to pay or restore something, often implying the concept of restitution for a wrong committed. The number seven is frequently associated with completeness or the intensity of the penalty required to satisfy justice.
hon · Hebrew Noun
A general term referring to material possessions, wealth, or substance. In the context of wisdom literature, it represents the fruits of one's labor or the resources God has provided to an individual.
na'aph · Hebrew Verb
Sexual relations between a married person and someone other than their spouse, considered a serious sin against God, the covenant of marriage, and one’s neighbor. It is treated in Proverbs as a betrayal of trust and a violation of divine wisdom.
chasar-leb · Hebrew Noun phrase
A phrase denoting a deficiency of heart or understanding; it implies a failure to grasp divine wisdom or the fatal consequences of one's sinful actions. The "heart" in Hebrew thought is the center of the intellect, will, and moral decision-making.
This passage from the Law directly outlines the severe punishment for adultery, reinforcing the certainty of negative consequences that Proverbs 6:29 warns about.
2 Samuel 11:4David's adulterous act with Bathsheba illustrates the immediate transgression and the beginning of severe repercussions, showing how such 'touching' leads to profound guilt and punishment.
Hebrews 13:4This New Testament verse echoes the Old Testament prohibition by stating that God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers, confirming the spiritual accountability for this sin highlighted in Proverbs.
Galatians 6:7The principle of 'you reap what you sow' applies universally, and this verse broadly states that actions, including adultery, will ultimately bring their deserved harvest of consequences, much like Proverbs 6:29's definitive statement.
pulpitProverbs 6:29: "So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent."
Verse 29. - So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent. It is as great a folly to suppose that an adulterer will escape punishment as to imagine that no injury will follow where fire has been applied. Delitzsch illustrates this verse by a passage from Pythagoras's maxim ('Eclog.,' 100, 39), Τὸ εἰς πῦρ καὶ εἰς γυναῖκα ἐμπεσεῖν ἴσον ὑπάρχει Goe…
clarkeProverbs 6:29: "So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent."
So he that goeth In to his neighbor's wife - As sure as he who takes fire into his bosom, or who walks upon live coals, is burnt thereby; so sure he that seduces his neighbour's wife shall be guilty. That is, he shall be punished.
The Hebrew word used for "innocent" here actually carries a double meaning, suggesting that not only will the adulterer face punishment, but they will also be found impure and morally tainted by the act. This goes beyond just earthly consequences, highlighting the deep spiritual corruption that such sin brings.
This verse follows a series of vivid warnings against adultery, likening it to dangerous actions like putting fire in one's lap or walking on hot coals. The preceding verses emphasize the inescapable, destructive consequences of such sin. This specific verse directly states that engaging in adultery with a neighbor's wife is as sure to bring severe punishment as these physical dangers are to cause harm.
This verse follows a series of vivid warnings against adultery, likening it to dangerous actions like putting fire in one's lap or walking on hot coals. The preceding verses emphasize the inescapable, destructive consequences of such sin. This specific verse directly states that engaging in adultery with a neighbor's wife is as sure to bring severe punishment as these physical dangers are to cause harm.
"So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished. People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold;…" — The Hebrew word used for "innocent" here actually carries a double meaning, suggesting that not only will the adulterer face punishment, but they will also be found impure and morally tainted by the…
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Last reviewed October 2026
