King James Version

What Does Proverbs 7:17 Mean?

Proverbs 7:17 in the King James Version says “I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.”

Proverbs 7:17 · KJV

Context

15

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

16

I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

17

I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18

Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

19

For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

Read Proverbs 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I've perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. The Hebrew 'noph' (sprinkle/perfume) and exotic spices create sensory seduction. Myrrh, aloes, cinnamon were expensive imports creating luxurious aromatics. The seductress appeals comprehensively to senses - visual beauty (v.16), aromatic pleasure (v.17), later sexual gratification (v.18). Temptation engages multiple dimensions simultaneously. Resisting requires recognizing comprehensive assault and responding with equally comprehensive commitment to wisdom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Song of Solomon celebrates similar sensory delights within marriage - spices, perfumes, intimate pleasures (4:14, 5:1). The difference is context: marital covenant versus adulterous betrayal. Satan's strategy is perverting good gifts by removing them from God's designed contexts. Sexual pleasure, sensory delight, aesthetic beauty - all good within marriage, all destructive outside it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does temptation engage multiple senses simultaneously to overwhelm resistance?
  2. What God-designed pleasures are you tempted to enjoy outside His intended contexts?
  3. How can you celebrate legitimate sensory and sexual pleasures within appropriate boundaries while resisting illegitimate versions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
נַ֥פְתִּי1 of 5

“I have perfumed”

H5130

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

מִשְׁכָּבִ֑י2 of 5

“my bed”

H4904

a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

מֹ֥ר3 of 5

“with myrrh”

H4753

myrrh (as distilling in drops, and also as bitter)

אֲ֝הָלִ֗ים4 of 5

“aloes”

H174

aloe wood (i.e., sticks)

וְקִנָּמֽוֹן׃5 of 5

“and cinnamon”

H7076

cinnamon bark (as in upright rolls)

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 7:17 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 7:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 45:8Isaiah 57:7-9Song of Solomon 4:13-14Exodus 30:23Song of Solomon 3:6

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