Proverbs 6:33 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 6:33 mean?

Proverbs 6:33 warns that a person who commits adultery will suffer lasting injury and shame, and the disgrace from this act will not be forgotten. The verse emphasizes that the consequences of such actions are both physical and social, leaving a permanent mark on a person's reputation.

In this part of Proverbs, a father is instructing his son about the dangers of adultery and unfaithfulness. The verse comes in a section that describes the serious fallout from such choices, highlighting that the damage is not just temporary pain but a lasting dishonor in the eyes of others. The language makes clear that some mistakes carry consequences that cannot simply be erased or overlooked.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 6:33

• "wound" (נֶגַע, nega‘): This word often refers to a physical injury or affliction, suggesting that the consequences are not just emotional but can be bodily harm as well.
• "dishonour" (קָלוֹן, qalon): This term means disgrace or shame, pointing to the loss of respect and standing in the community.
• "reproach" (חֶרְפָּה, ḥerpah): This word means public shame or disgrace, emphasizing that the shame is not private but known to others and hard to escape.
• "away" (מָחָה, machah): This verb means to wipe out or erase, underlining that the disgrace from this act is not easily removed or forgotten.

Why Proverbs 6:33 matters

• Proverbs 6:33 clarifies that some actions, like adultery, have consequences that go beyond personal regret and affect how others see a person for a long time.
• The verse connects to the larger warning in Proverbs 6 against adultery, showing that the risks are not just about getting caught but about irreversible damage to one's life and reputation.
• This verse helps readers understand the seriousness with which ancient wisdom literature treats issues of faithfulness and personal integrity, highlighting the lasting impact of moral choices.