King James Version

What Does Proverbs 7:26 Mean?

Proverbs 7:26 in the King James Version says “For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

Proverbs 7:26 · KJV


Context

24

Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

25

Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

26

For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

27

Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For she has cast down many wounded; numerous are her slain. The Hebrew 'naphal' (fall/cast down) and 'chalal' (slain/pierced) describe casualties of sexual sin. This isn't isolated incident but pattern - many wounded, strong men slain. Sexual temptation destroys broadly and consistently. No one is immune; the strong fall as easily as the weak. This warns: don't presume on your strength; many stronger have fallen.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical history confirms this warning: Samson, David, Solomon - all powerful men destroyed or damaged by sexual sin. First Corinthians 10:12 warns: 'Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.' Overconfidence precedes downfall. Sexual temptation humbles the proudest, strongest, wisest. Only humble vigilance provides safety.

Reflection Questions

  1. What examples from Scripture and history warn you against presuming on your own strength?
  2. How does recognizing that 'strong men' fall to sexual sin affect your own vigilance?
  3. What humility and accountability would protect you from overconfident vulnerability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כִּֽי1 of 7
H3588

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

רַבִּ֣ים2 of 7

many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

חֲלָלִ֣ים3 of 7

wounded

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

הִפִּ֑ילָה4 of 7

For she hath cast down

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

וַ֝עֲצֻמִ֗ים5 of 7

yea many strong

H6099

powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous

כָּל6 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הֲרֻגֶֽיהָ׃7 of 7

men have been slain

H2026

to smite with deadly intent


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 7:26 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 7:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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