For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.

PROVERBS 6:26KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“hunt” Hebrew H6679 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 27:3 Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison;
  • Joshua 9:12 This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy:
  • Lamentations 3:52 Mine enemies chased me sore, like a bird, without cause.

“of” Hebrew H1157 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • Judges 3:22 And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.
  • Psalms 139:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

“precious” Hebrew H3368 · used in 36 verses

  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • 2 Chronicles 3:6 And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim.
  • Proverbs 3:15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

“piece” Hebrew H3603 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.
  • 2 Samuel 12:30 And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:14 Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.