Proverbs 6:26 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 6:26 mean?

Proverbs 6:26 warns that involvement with a "whorish woman" can reduce a man to poverty or ruin, and that an adulteress actively seeks to ensnare those she targets, threatening even a person's very life. The verse uses vivid imagery to show the serious consequences of sexual immorality and unfaithfulness.

In this section of Proverbs, a father is instructing his son about the dangers of adultery and unwise relationships. The language is direct and meant to impress on the listener just how costly these choices can be—not only financially ("a piece of bread") but also in terms of personal safety and well-being ("the precious life"). The verse is part of a larger warning about the destructive power of giving in to temptation.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 6:26

• "Whorish" (זֹנָה, zonah): This word refers to a prostitute or a woman who is sexually promiscuous. The use of this term highlights the transactional and exploitative nature of the relationship being described.
• "Piece" (כִּכָּר, kikkar): This word often means a round loaf or a piece of bread, emphasizing how a man can be reduced to the bare minimum needed to survive—just enough to eat.
• "Hunt" (צָדָה, tsadah): This verb means to hunt or to stalk prey. The adulteress is portrayed as an active pursuer, not a passive participant, which underscores the danger and intentionality involved.
• "Precious" (יָקָר, yaqar) and "life" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): Together, these words stress that what is at risk is not just money or reputation, but a person's very life and well-being.

Why Proverbs 6:26 matters

• Proverbs 6:26 clarifies that the danger of adultery is not only moral or spiritual but also practical, affecting a person's livelihood and safety.
• The verse emphasizes personal responsibility and the real-world consequences of choices, fitting into the book's broader theme of wisdom versus folly.
• By comparing the loss to "a piece of bread," the proverb makes the warning relatable and vivid, showing that the cost of such actions can be total and humiliating.