Proverbs 7:26-27
for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about the harlot's victims being numerous, but that "strong men"—those considered mighty, wise, or robust—are among her slain. It highlights how this kind of sin doesn't just prey on the weak but can bring down even those we might assume are capable of resisting it.
This verse is the chilling conclusion to the vivid cautionary tale of a young man being lured to his ruin by a seductress. After describing her seductive attire, alluring words, and deceitful invitation, the narrator emphasizes the devastating consequences of falling prey to such temptation, highlighting the vast number of victims who have met their destruction through her wiles.
This verse paints a grim picture of destruction. But what does it truly mean to be 'wounded' and 'slain' by this deceptive path?
The language here isn't just about physical harm; it's about total ruin.
More Than Physical Harm
The 'wounded' and 'slain' aren't simply those who suffered physical injury or death. Think of it this way:
This deception brings about a complete devastation, affecting every part of a person's life.
The verse specifically mentions 'strong men.' Why is it significant that even the powerful fall prey to this deception?
This verse powerfully illustrates that no one is immune to temptation, regardless of their perceived strength.
Strength is Not Immunity
The 'strong men' could represent:
The inclusion of 'strong men' serves as a stark warning: if even the most capable can be brought down, how much more vulnerable are the inexperienced and weak?
Understand the original words
chalal · Hebrew Noun
Refers to a person who has been overcome, wounded, or killed by another, often emphasizing the vulnerability or tragic loss of the individual at the hands of someone else's treachery or power.
chalal · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
A term indicating those who have been killed or struck down, often as a result of battle, judgment, or, as in this context, the destructive influence of temptation and immorality.
she'ol · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term representing the realm of the dead or the underworld, describing the abode of departed spirits. It serves as a stark warning of the ultimate consequences of turning away from God’s wisdom.
cheder · Hebrew Noun
This passage shows Joseph's integrity as he flees from Potiphar's wife, highlighting the danger of succumbing to sexual temptation and the devastating consequences it can bring, even to those who are strong in spirit.
Judges 16:4-22The story of Samson powerfully illustrates how even a man of immense strength and God-given purpose can be brought low and ultimately destroyed by yielding to the allure of a deceptive woman.
2 Samuel 11:1-27King David, a man after God's own heart, falls prey to lust, leading to adultery, deceit, and murder, demonstrating that no amount of power or wisdom guarantees immunity from this destructive path.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20This New Testament passage directly addresses sexual immorality, warning believers that it is a sin against their own bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit, and that such actions have grave spiritual repercussions.
pulpitProverbs 7:26: "For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her."
Verse 26. - For she hath east down many wounded. Delitzsch, "For many are the slain whom she hath caused to fall." The harlot marks her course with ruined souls, as a ruthless conqueror leaves a field of battle strewn with corpses. Yea, many strong (atsum) men have been slain by her. One thinks of Samson and David and Solomon, the victims of illicit love, and suffering for it. Vulgate, et fortissi…
clarkeProverbs 7:26: "For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her."
For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her - That is, such like women have been the ruin of many. חללים chalalim, which we render wounded, also signifies solsliers or men of war; and עצמים atsumim, which we render strong men, may be translated heroes. Many of those who have distinguished themselves in the field and in the cabinet have been overcome and destr…
This verse isn't just about the harlot's victims being numerous, but that "strong men"—those considered mighty, wise, or robust—are among her slain. It highlights how this kind of sin doesn't just prey on the weak but can bring down even those we might assume are capable of resisting it.
This verse is the chilling conclusion to the vivid cautionary tale of a young man being lured to his ruin by a seductress. After describing her seductive attire, alluring words, and deceitful invitation, the narrator emphasizes the devastating consequences of falling prey to such temptation, highlighting the vast number of victims who have met their destruction through her wiles.
This verse is the chilling conclusion to the vivid cautionary tale of a young man being lured to his ruin by a seductress. After describing her seductive attire, alluring words, and deceitful invitation, the narrator emphasizes the devastating consequences of falling prey to such temptation, highlighting the vast number of victims who have met their destruction through her wiles.
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In this metaphorical context, refers to the inner, deep places or the hidden recesses of the grave, signifying the permanent and inescapable nature of the ruin brought about by folly and sin.
maveth · Hebrew Noun
The fundamental cessation of biological life, but in biblical wisdom literature, it also serves as a potent metaphor for spiritual separation from God and the inevitable finality of judgment following a life of wickedness.
"for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death." — This verse isn't just about the harlot's victims being numerous, but that "strong men"—those considered mighty, wise, or robust—are among her slain. It highlights how this kind of sin doesn't just pr…
