Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
PROVERBS 5:19KJVWhat does Proverbs 5:19 mean?
Proverbs 5:19 encourages a husband to find joy, satisfaction, and delight in his wife, using the imagery of a loving deer and graceful doe. The verse urges him to be continually captivated by her love and physical affection, emphasizing faithfulness and deep emotional connection in marriage.
In Proverbs 5, a father is warning his son about the dangers of unfaithfulness and the allure of adultery. This verse stands out as a positive instruction, painting marital love as something beautiful and fulfilling. The language is vivid and affectionate, showing that the Bible values not just loyalty but also genuine delight and intimacy within marriage.
The Hebrew behind Proverbs 5:19
- "Loving" (אָהֵב, 'ahev, H158) describes the deer as affectionate or beloved, highlighting the emotional warmth and gentleness meant to characterize the wife.
- "Satisfy" (רָוָה, ravah, H7301) means to be filled or abundantly satisfied, suggesting that the husband's needs—emotional and physical—should be met within marriage.
- "Ravished" (שָׁגָה, shagah, H7686) literally means "to be intoxicated" or "carried away," emphasizing the idea of being deeply and continually captivated by the wife's love, not just in a fleeting way.
Why Proverbs 5:19 matters
- Proverbs 5:19 clears up the misconception that the Bible is cold or restrictive about marital affection; instead, it celebrates joy and passion within marriage.
- The verse highlights that faithfulness is not just about avoiding wrongdoing but about actively cherishing and delighting in one’s spouse.
- In the context of Proverbs 5, this verse contrasts the dangers of forbidden relationships with the safety and fulfillment found in a loving, committed marriage.