Proverbs 7:22
All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The comparison "as an ox goes to the slaughter" isn't just about the animal's doom, but its complete lack of awareness or resistance in the face of it. This isn't a willing march, but a passive, almost ignorant movement towards destruction, highlighting the young man's profound disconnect from the deadly consequences of his actions.
The young man, after being lured by the adulterous woman's seductive words and appearance, is now fully yielding to her enticement. He follows her immediately, without hesitation, demonstrating a complete lack of awareness or concern for the grave danger he is rushing into. This verse captures the moment of decisive, foolish surrender, setting up the account of his ruinous descent.
Why does Proverbs say the young man goes after the seductress 'all at once' or 'suddenly'?
The word translated 'all at once' or 'suddenly' doesn't just mean he acted quickly. It highlights a decisive moment where hesitation ends and a plunge into sin begins.
From Hesitation to Harm
What do the images of an ox and a fool reveal about the young man's mindset?
The verse uses two powerful, even shocking, comparisons to illustrate the young man's state of mind as he pursues temptation:
Ox to Slaughter:
Fool to Correction:
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 shares the same imagery of being led like an ox to slaughter, highlighting a nation's foolishness and impending doom due to disobedience.
Hosea 4:16This verse speaks of Israel being stubborn and refusing correction, comparing them to a stubborn heifer, which resonates with the Proverbs passage's theme of senseless stubbornness in the face of danger.
Romans 6:16Paul discusses becoming slaves to whomever one obeys, drawing a parallel to the young man's unthinking obedience to temptation, likening it to a willing servitude that leads to destruction.
Galatians 5:16-17This passage contrasts walking by the Spirit with gratifying the desires of the flesh, illustrating the internal conflict and inevitable downfall that comes from blindly following sinful impulses.
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…
The comparison "as an ox goes to the slaughter" isn't just about the animal's doom, but its complete lack of awareness or resistance in the face of it. This isn't a willing march, but a passive, almost ignorant movement towards destruction, highlighting the young man's profound disconnect from the deadly consequences of his actions.
The young man, after being lured by the adulterous woman's seductive words and appearance, is now fully yielding to her enticement. He follows her immediately, without hesitation, demonstrating a complete lack of awareness or concern for the grave danger he is rushing into. This verse captures the moment of decisive, foolish surrender, setting up the account of his ruinous descent.
The young man, after being lured by the adulterous woman's seductive words and appearance, is now fully yielding to her enticement. He follows her immediately, without hesitation, demonstrating a complete lack of awareness or concern for the grave danger he is rushing into. This verse captures the moment of decisive, foolish surrender, setting up the account of his ruinous descent.
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"All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast" — The comparison "as an ox goes to the slaughter" isn't just about the animal's doom, but its complete lack of awareness or resistance in the face of it. This isn't a willing march, but a passive, almo…
