Proverbs 7:18 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 7:18 mean?

Proverbs 7:18 records an invitation to indulge in romantic or sexual pleasure throughout the night, describing it as an opportunity to enjoy and comfort one another with love. The verse is spoken by a woman enticing a young man, urging him to give in to desire without restraint.

In the context of Proverbs 7, this verse is part of a warning against adultery. The woman is speaking to a young man, trying to persuade him to join her in an affair while her husband is away. The language is deliberately tempting, showing how seductive words can lead someone into making poor choices.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 7:18

• "Fill" (רָוָה, ravah): This word means to be saturated or to drink deeply. Here, it emphasizes the idea of indulging fully in pleasure, not holding back.
• "Love" (דּוֹד, dod): This word often refers to physical or romantic love, not just affection. The use here highlights the sensual nature of the invitation.
• "Solace" (עָלַס, alas): This word means to find comfort or enjoyment. In this verse, it suggests seeking emotional or physical comfort in each other's company.
• "Loves" (אַהֲבָה, ahavah): This is a broader word for love, often used for deep affection or passion. Its plural form here may suggest repeated acts or a variety of pleasures.

Why Proverbs 7:18 matters

• Proverbs 7:18 helps the reader see how persuasive and appealing temptation can sound, especially when it is dressed up in promises of pleasure and comfort.
• The verse is a key part of the larger warning in Proverbs 7, showing the tactics used to lure someone into wrongdoing, which helps the reader recognize and resist similar temptations.
• Understanding the specific words for love and pleasure in the original Hebrew highlights the depth and intensity of the temptation being described, making the warning more vivid.