Proverbs 5:3

Proverbs 5:3 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
• New International Version (NIV)For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil;
• English Standard Version (ESV)For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil,
• New King James Version (NKJV)For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil;

Context of Proverbs 5:3

1My child, be attentive to my wisdom, pay close attention to my understanding, 2in order to safeguard discretion, and that your lips may guard knowledge. For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her seductive words are smoother than olive oil, 4but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 5Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.

Proverbs 5:3 word by word

כִּ֤י נֹ֣פֶת תִּ֭טֹּפְנָה שִׂפְתֵ֣י זָרָ֑ה וְחָלָ֖ק מִשֶּׁ֣מֶן חִכָּֽהּ׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• For the lipsשָׂפָהώâphâh ώepheth · lipsH8193
• of a strange womanזוּרzûr · be a strangerH2114
• dropנָטַףnâţaph · to drip/prophesyH5197
• an honeycombנֹ֫פֶתnôpheth · honeyH5317
• and her mouthחֵךְchêk · palateH2441
• smootherחָלָקchâlâq · smoothH2509
• than oilשֶׁ֫מֶןshemen · oilH8081

Cross-references for Proverbs 5:3

• Proverbs 2:16to deliver you from the adulteress, from the sexually loose woman who speaks flattering words;
• Proverbs 6:24by keeping you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the loose woman.
• Proverbs 7:21She persuaded him with persuasive words; with her smooth talk she compelled him.
• Revelation 17:2with whom the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality and the earth’s inhabitants got drunk with the wine of her immorality.”
• Psalms 55:21His words are as smooth as butter, but he harbors animosity in his heart. His words seem softer than oil, but they are really like sharp swords.

Commentaries on Proverbs 5:3

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 3The lips of a strange woman - One that is not thy own, whether Jewess or heathen. Drop as a honey-comb - She uses the most deceitful, flattering, and alluring speeches: as the droppings of the honey out of the comb are the sweetest of all.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 3Smoother than oil - The same comparison is used in marginal reference to describe the treachery of a false friend.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 3-4The lips of an immoral woman may seem sweet and tempting, but they are actually bitter and dangerous. Sexual activity often starts with a kiss, and flattering words can lure someone in.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 33. (Compare Pr 2:16). Her enticing promises are deceitful.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 5:3

• Adultery
• Flattery
• Harlot (Prostitute)
• Lasciviousness
• Women
• Young Men

In the dictionaries

• Strange Woman
• Cord
• Honey
• Mouth
• Education
• Hezekiah (2)
• Oil
• Proverbs, the Book of
• Purity
• honey, honeycomb

Commentaries on Proverbs 5

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings