King James Version

What Does Proverbs 23:28 Mean?

Proverbs 23:28 in the King James Version says “She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. as for: or, as a robber” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. as for: or, as a robber”

Proverbs 23:28 · KJV

Context

26

My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

27

For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

28

She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. as for: or, as a robber

29

Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions ? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

30

They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

Read Proverbs 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse continues the previous warning, depicting sexual immorality as predatory. 'She also lieth in wait as for a prey' (אַף־הִיא כְּחֶתֶף תֶּאֱרֹב/af-hi kechetef te'erov, indeed she lies in ambush like a robber) portrays the adulteress as hunter stalking victims. This isn't mutual consent but predatory destruction. 'Increaseth the transgressors among men' (וּבוֹגְדִים בְּאָדָם תּוֹסִף/uvogedim be'adam tosif, she increases the treacherous/faithless among mankind) reveals sexual sin's multiplying effect. One adulterous person corrupts many, spreading unfaithfulness like contagion. This echoes the 'strange woman' passages in Proverbs 7, where she hunts young men to their destruction. Sexual temptation often appears as opportunity but is actually ambush. Joseph understood this when Potiphar's wife propositioned him—he fled (Genesis 39:12). Paul commanded: 'Flee fornication' (1 Corinthians 6:18). Resistance requires recognizing the danger and actively fleeing, not flirting with temptation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Proverbs 7 provides extended narrative of the adulteress hunting a foolish young man. She dresses provocatively, speaks seductively, and leads him 'as an ox goeth to the slaughter' (Proverbs 7:22). This wasn't hypothetical but depicted real danger in ancient cities. Without modern safeguards—streetlights, policing, social accountability—nighttime urban areas were dangerous. The 'strange woman' appears throughout Proverbs as archetypal danger (2:16-19; 5:3-23; 6:24-35; 7:6-27; 9:13-18; 22:14; 23:27-28). In the Greco-Roman world, prostitution was institutionalized and ubiquitous. Paul's converts came from sexually corrupt cultures. His commands to flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3) addressed real, pervasive temptation. Modern pornographic culture creates similar dangers—predatory sexual imagery lies in ambush through screens, requiring vigilance and accountability.

Reflection Questions

  1. What situations or relationships put you in 'ambush' range of sexual temptation, and how can you eliminate exposure?
  2. How does viewing sexual temptation as predatory rather than recreational change your approach to purity?
  3. What accountability structures protect you from becoming one who 'increases transgressors' through sin or enabling others' sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אַף1 of 7
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

הִ֭יא2 of 7
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כְּחֶ֣תֶף3 of 7

“as for a prey”

H2863

properly, rapine; figuratively, robbery

תֶּֽאֱרֹ֑ב4 of 7

“She also lieth in wait”

H693

to lurk

וּ֝בוֹגְדִ֗ים5 of 7

“the transgressors”

H898

to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage

בְּאָדָ֥ם6 of 7

“among men”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

תּוֹסִֽף׃7 of 7

“and increaseth”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

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 23:28 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 23:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 7:26Proverbs 7:121 Corinthians 10:8Hosea 4:11Proverbs 22:14Proverbs 2:16-19

Test Your Knowledge

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