King James Version

What Does Proverbs 23:33 Mean?

Proverbs 23:33 in the King James Version says “Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.”

Proverbs 23:33 · KJV

Context

31

Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup , when it moveth itself aright.

32

At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. an: or, a cockatrice

33

Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

34

Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. the midst: Heb. the heart of the sea

35

They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again. I felt: Heb. I knew it not

Read Proverbs 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes alcohol's effects on perception and speech. 'Thine eyes shall behold strange women' (עֵינֶיךָ יִרְאוּ זָרוֹת/eynekha yir'u zarot, your eyes will see strange things/foreign women) indicates distorted vision and lowered inhibitions. Alcohol impairs judgment, making sin appear attractive. 'Thine heart shall utter perverse things' (וְלִבְּךָ יְדַבֵּר תַּהְפֻּכוֹת/velibekha yedabber tahpukhot, your heart will speak perverse/twisted things) reveals how drunkenness corrupts speech and thought. The 'heart' (mind/will) produces speech reflecting inner corruption. This is part of Proverbs 23:29-35's extended warning against drunkenness. The passage begins: 'Who hath woe? who hath sorrow?... They that tarry long at the wine' (23:29-30). Alcohol brings misery, violence, and foolishness. While the Bible doesn't forbid all alcohol consumption, it repeatedly warns against drunkenness (Proverbs 20:1; 31:4-5; Isaiah 5:11; Ephesians 5:18). Paul commands: 'be not drunk with wine... but be filled with the Spirit' (Ephesians 5:18).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wine was common in ancient Israel—used in meals, celebrations, and religious rituals (Deuteronomy 14:26; Psalm 104:15). However, drunkenness was condemned. Noah's drunkenness led to shameful exposure (Genesis 9:21). Lot's daughters got him drunk to commit incest (Genesis 19:32-38). Nabal's drunkenness made him incapable (1 Samuel 25:36). The law prohibited priests from drinking before ministry (Leviticus 10:9). Nazarites abstained entirely as consecration sign (Numbers 6:3). Prophets condemned drunkenness (Isaiah 5:11, 22; 28:7; Amos 6:6). In Greco-Roman culture, drunken banquets often included sexual immorality. Dionysian cults celebrated intoxication. Paul's warnings addressed real practices in pagan culture. Early church councils debated alcohol's role in Christian community, balancing cultural norms with moral dangers. The temperance movement later emphasized abstinence, though biblical evidence supports moderation rather than absolute prohibition.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does alcohol affect your judgment, speech, and spiritual sensitivity?
  2. What motivates your drinking—celebration, stress relief, social pressure—and is it honoring to God?
  3. Would abstinence or strict moderation better serve your witness and spiritual health?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
עֵ֭ינֶיךָ1 of 6

“Thine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יִרְא֣וּ2 of 6

“shall behold”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

זָר֑וֹת3 of 6

“strange women”

H2114

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

וְ֝לִבְּךָ֗4 of 6

“and thine heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

יְדַבֵּ֥ר5 of 6

“shall utter”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

תַּהְפֻּכֽוֹת׃6 of 6

“perverse things”

H8419

a perversity or fraud

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 23:33 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 23:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jude 1:12-13Proverbs 31:5Psalms 69:12Daniel 5:4Genesis 19:32-38Proverbs 2:12

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