He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

PROVERBS 6:35KJV
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Proverbs 6:35 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 6:35 mean?

Proverbs 6:35 says that no amount of payment or gifts will satisfy or calm the anger of a wronged husband; he will not accept any compensation. The verse warns that when someone has committed adultery, the offended spouse cannot be bribed or persuaded to forgive with material offerings.

This verse comes from a section where a father warns his son about the dangers of adultery. The focus is on the seriousness of betraying another person’s marriage, showing that the emotional consequences are so deep that no ransom or gift can make things right. The verse highlights the lasting and intense anger that follows such a betrayal.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 6:35

  • “Regard” (נָשָׂא פָּנִים, nāśāʾ pānîm): This phrase means to lift up the face, often understood as showing favor or accepting something. Here, it emphasizes that the wronged husband will not show favor or accept any offer.
  • “Ransom” (כֹּפֶר, kōfer): This word refers to a payment made to secure release or forgiveness. The verse stresses that even a ransom, which might settle other disputes, is useless in this situation.
  • “Content” (אָבָה, ʾāvāh): This verb means to be willing or satisfied. The verse points out that the husband will not be satisfied or willing to forgive, no matter what is offered.
  • “Many” (רַב, rav): This word means numerous or much. The verse underlines that even a great quantity of gifts will not change the outcome.
  • “Gifts” (שֹׁחַד, shōḥad): This word means a bribe or present, usually given to influence someone. Here, it shows that even bribes or generous gifts cannot buy peace or forgiveness in this context.

Why Proverbs 6:35 matters

  • Proverbs 6:35 clears up the idea that some wrongs can be fixed with money or gifts; it shows that certain betrayals, like adultery, have consequences that cannot be undone by material compensation.
  • The verse emphasizes the emotional weight and seriousness of adultery, warning that it leads to lasting anger and broken trust.
  • This verse connects to the larger warning in Proverbs 6 against adultery, highlighting that the fallout is not just personal guilt but also the unyielding anger of those betrayed.

Where else these words appear

“ransom” Hebrew H3724 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 6:14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
  • 1 Samuel 6:18 And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite.
  • Proverbs 13:8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

“gifts” Hebrew H7810 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
  • 2 Kings 16:8 And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.
  • Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

“content” Hebrew H14 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 24:5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
  • 1 Samuel 22:17 And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
  • 1 Chronicles 10:4 Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.