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 son, pay attention to my wisdom. Incline your ear to my insight, 2that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. For a seducing woman’s lips drip honey and her mouth is smoother than oil. 4But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. 5Her feet go down to death, her steps lead straight to Sheol.

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 a seducing woman— a wayward wife with seductive words,
• Proverbs 6:24keeping you from the immoral woman, from a wayward wife’s smooth tongue.
• Proverbs 7:21With her persistent pleading she entices him, with smooth talk she seduces him.
• Revelation 17:2The earth’s kings committed sexual immorality with her, and those who dwell on the earth got drunk with the wine of her immorality.”
• Psalms 55:21My companion put forth his hands against those at peace with him, as he violates his covenant.

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