Proverbs 6:29 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 6:29 mean?

Proverbs 6:29 warns that anyone who has a sexual relationship with another man's wife will not escape guilt or consequences. The verse makes clear that crossing this boundary brings unavoidable trouble and judgment.

This proverb is part of a longer warning from a father to his son about the dangers of adultery. The speaker uses vivid language to show that just as touching fire leads to burns, being involved with a neighbor’s wife leads to certain harm. The verse stresses the seriousness of this act in the community and its inevitable fallout.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 6:29

• "in" (בּוֹא, bo’): This word means "to go in" or "to enter," and in this context, it is a common Hebrew way of referring to sexual relations. The verse uses direct language to make the situation clear.
• "neighbour's" (רֵעַ, re’a): This word means "companion" or "fellow," emphasizing that the woman is not just any woman, but specifically someone else's wife—someone within the community.
• "wife" (אִשָּׁה, ishah): This is the standard word for "wife" or "woman," highlighting the marital relationship being violated.
• "toucheth" (נָגַע, naga’): This word often means "to touch" or "to reach out," and here it carries the sense of physical contact with sexual overtones.
• "innocent" (נָקָה, naqah): This word means "to be free from guilt" or "to be unpunished." The verse uses it to underline that such an act always brings guilt and cannot be excused.

Why Proverbs 6:29 matters

• The verse clarifies that adultery is not just a private matter but a serious offense with real consequences, both morally and socially.
• Proverbs 6:29 ties personal choices to public accountability, showing that actions in secret still affect one's standing and relationships in the community.
• The verse connects to the wider passage, which uses strong images (like fire and burning) to show that some boundaries, once crossed, always bring pain and loss.