All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights the utter oblivion of consequences; the man doesn't just follow the tempting woman, he goes "as an ox to the slaughter" or "as a stag is caught fast," utterly unaware of the fatal end he's rushing toward. The comparison to an ox going to slaughter emphasizes a chilling lack of self-preservation, a blind march toward destruction that feels almost inevitable.
All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast
English Standard Version (ESV)
The young man, lured by the seductive words of a seductress, has been hesitant but is now swiftly succumbing to temptation. He follows her immediately, like an unsuspecting ox led to slaughter or a stag caught unaware, completely blind to the devastating consequences that await him.
Ever felt like you've made a decision too quickly, without thinking? This verse paints a picture of a rapid, unthinking descent into danger.
The Hebrew word translated 'all at once' or 'straightway' emphasizes a suddenness, a lack of pause or consideration. It's not just moving quickly, but plunging headlong.
What does it feel like to walk towards danger, completely unaware of the peril?
The verse uses stark comparisons to illustrate the man's utter lack of awareness regarding the serious consequences of his actions.
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Understand the original words
shor · Hebrew Noun
A beast of burden, often used in Scripture as a metaphor for a creature led blindly, unknowingly, or submissively toward its own destruction.
tebach · Hebrew Noun
The act of killing, especially in a ritual or judicial context; metaphorically, it represents the catastrophic and inevitable end of one who follows the path of folly.
This passage paints a picture of people being led to destruction like lambs to the slaughter, mirroring the same imagery of a helpless, unaware procession towards doom.
Romans 6:19Paul speaks of presenting ourselves as slaves to sin, just as the ox in Proverbs is driven along, highlighting the loss of freedom and control that comes with succumbing to sinful desires.
Psalm 49:12This psalm echoes the folly of the proverb, pointing out that despite temporary pleasure, humans ultimately 'perish like the beasts,' emphasizing the senselessness of pursuing fleeting desires over eternal life.
2 Peter 2:14Peter describes those who are 'enticed by sin' as looking forward to adultery and never stopping, much like the ox or stag moving blindly towards their fate, emphasizing the unchecked nature of sin once it takes hold.
clarkeProverbs 7:22: "He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;"
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." Ver…
pooleProverbs 7:22: "He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;"
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…
This verse highlights the utter oblivion of consequences; the man doesn't just follow the tempting woman, he goes "as an ox to the slaughter" or "as a stag is caught fast," utterly unaware of the fatal end he's rushing toward. The comparison to an ox going to slaughter emphasizes a chilling lack of self-preservation, a blind march toward destruction that feels almost inevitable.
The young man, lured by the seductive words of a seductress, has been hesitant but is now swiftly succumbing to temptation. He follows her immediately, like an unsuspecting ox led to slaughter or a stag caught unaware, completely blind to the devastating consequences that await him.
The young man, lured by the seductive words of a seductress, has been hesitant but is now swiftly succumbing to temptation. He follows her immediately, like an unsuspecting ox led to slaughter or a stag caught unaware, completely blind to the devastating consequences that await him.
"All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast" — This verse highlights the utter oblivion of consequences; the man doesn't just follow the tempting woman, he goes "as an ox to the slaughter" or "as a stag is caught fast," utterly unaware of the fat…
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Last reviewed October 2026