King James Version

What Does Proverbs 22:14 Mean?

Proverbs 22:14 in the King James Version says “The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.”

Proverbs 22:14 · KJV

Context

12

The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor. the words: or, the matters

13

The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

14

The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

15

Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

16

He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

Read Proverbs 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This proverb warns against sexual immorality using vivid imagery. 'Strange women' (זָרוֹת/zarot) refers to adulteresses or prostitutes—women outside covenant marriage. The 'deep pit' (שׁוּחָה עֲמֻקָּה/shuchah amuqqah) evokes inescapable danger, like Joseph's pit (Genesis 37:24) or the grave (Psalm 55:23). Once a man falls into sexual sin, escape becomes extraordinarily difficult. The second half reveals God's active judgment: 'he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein' (זְעוּם יְהוָה/ze'um YHWH, one under God's wrath). This doesn't mean God tempts (James 1:13) but that divine judgment includes giving people over to their sinful desires (Romans 1:24-28). Sexual sin particularly destroys because it sins 'against his own body' (1 Corinthians 6:18). Paul warned that persistent immorality evidences non-salvation: 'no whoremonger... hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ' (Ephesians 5:5). Yet Christ came to save sexual sinners—the woman at the well, the adulterous woman, prostitutes who believed. The gospel offers cleansing: 'such were some of you: but ye are washed' (1 Corinthians 6:11).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel was surrounded by cultures practicing ritual prostitution as worship. Canaanite religion centered on fertility cults with temple prostitutes (Deuteronomy 23:17). Israel repeatedly fell into this idolatry—even Solomon's foreign wives led him into sexual and spiritual unfaithfulness (1 Kings 11:1-8). The law prescribed death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10), underscoring its severity. Proverbs repeatedly warns against the 'strange woman' (2:16-19; 5:3-14; 6:24-35; 7:6-27), indicating this was a pervasive temptation. The imagery of a 'pit' or 'snare' appears throughout: sexual sin destroys families, reputations, health, and spiritual vitality. In the Greco-Roman world of the early church, sexual immorality was ubiquitous and culturally accepted. Christians' sexual purity made them stand out radically. Paul's letters repeatedly address sexual ethics (1 Corinthians 5-7; Ephesians 5:3-12; Colossians 3:5), calling believers to holiness in a sexually corrupt culture.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'guardrails' have you established to protect yourself from sexual temptation in a pornographic culture?
  2. How does understanding sexual sin as a 'deep pit' change your view of seemingly small compromises?
  3. If you have fallen into sexual sin, do you understand that Christ came to save sinners and offers complete forgiveness and transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
שׁוּחָ֣ה1 of 8

“pit”

H7745

a chasm

עֲ֭מֻקָּה2 of 8

“women is a deep”

H6013

deep (literally or figuratively)

פִּ֣י3 of 8

“The mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

זָר֑וֹת4 of 8

“of strange”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

זְע֥וּם5 of 8

“he that is abhorred”

H2194

properly, to foam at the mouth, i.e., to be enraged

יְ֝הוָ֗ה6 of 8

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שָֽׁם׃7 of 8

“shall fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

שָֽׁם׃8 of 8

“shall fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 22:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 22:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 7:26Proverbs 23:27Proverbs 6:24-29Proverbs 7:5-27Nehemiah 13:26Proverbs 2:16-19

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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