King James Version

What Does Proverbs 6:34 Mean?

Proverbs 6:34 in the King James Version says “For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

Proverbs 6:34 · KJV


Context

32

But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. understanding: Heb. heart

33

A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

34

For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35

He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts. He will: Heb. He will not accept the face of any ransom


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jealousy is a husband's fury; he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance. The Hebrew 'qinah' (jealousy/zeal) describes righteous protective passion. The betrayed husband's rage is justified. 'Chamal' (spare/show mercy) indicates that mercy will not moderate justice. Adultery violates covenant and wounds love profoundly. The personal nature of sexual sin produces uniquely intense response. This warns: don't expect mercy from those you've deeply betrayed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Mosaic Law prescribed death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10). Though enforcement varied, the severity reflected adultery's covenant-breaking gravity. In cultures where law didn't prosecute, wronged husbands often took personal vengeance. This verse warns that adultery provokes justifiable wrath. Song of Solomon 8:6 describes love's jealousy as 'cruel as the grave' - betrayed love burns with fierce anger.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding adultery's profound betrayal affect your view of marital faithfulness?
  2. What forms of 'adultery' (spiritual, emotional) might provoke God's jealous fury similarly?
  3. How should recognizing the wounded party's justified anger inform your approach to sin and repentance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּֽי1 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קִנְאָ֥ה2 of 8

For jealousy

H7068

jealousy or envy

חֲמַת3 of 8

is the rage

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

גָּ֑בֶר4 of 8

of a man

H1397

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

וְלֹֽא5 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַ֝חְמ֗וֹל6 of 8

therefore he will not spare

H2550

to commiserate; by implication, to spare

בְּי֣וֹם7 of 8

in the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

נָקָֽם׃8 of 8

of vengeance

H5359

revenge


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 6:34 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 6:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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