King James Version

What Does Proverbs 7:13 Mean?

Proverbs 7:13 in the King James Version says “So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, with: Heb. she strengthened her face and sai...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, with: Heb. she strengthened her face and said”

Proverbs 7:13 · KJV

Context

11

(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

12

Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

13

So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, with: Heb. she strengthened her face and said

14

I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. I have: Heb. Peace offerings are upon me

15

Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

Read Proverbs 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
She seizes him, kisses him, and with brazen face says... The Hebrew 'chazaq' (seize/grasp) and 'nashaq' (kiss) indicate aggressive initiative. 'Strengthened her face' ('heez paneyha') means bold, shameless, brazen. This woman doesn't wait passively but pursues aggressively. Modern culture increasingly normalizes female sexual aggression, but biblical wisdom recognizes this as predatory reversal of God's design. Seduction inverts proper order.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical sexuality affirms male pursuit and female response as creational norm, though moderns may debate cultural versus creational elements. Regardless, aggressive predatory sexuality (from either gender) contradicts wisdom's way. Aggressive seduction short-circuits proper discernment and decision-making, overwhelming reason with passion. This tactic succeeds because it bypasses careful consideration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does aggressive seduction (sexual or otherwise) bypass proper discernment?
  2. What brazen approaches to temptation have overwhelmed your careful reasoning?
  3. How can you create decision-making buffers that resist aggressive seduction?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְהֶחֱזִ֣יקָה1 of 8

“So she caught”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בּ֭וֹ2 of 8
H0
וְנָ֣שְׁקָה3 of 8

“him and kissed”

H5401

to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons

לּ֑וֹ4 of 8
H0
הֵעֵ֥זָה5 of 8

“him and with an impudent”

H5810

to be stout (literally or figuratively)

פָ֝נֶ֗יהָ6 of 8

“face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַתֹּ֣אמַר7 of 8

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֽוֹ׃8 of 8
H0

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 7:13 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 7:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 25:6-8Genesis 39:12Ezekiel 3:7-9Numbers 31:16Genesis 39:7Numbers 25:1

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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