King James Version

What Does Proverbs 7:27 Mean?

Proverbs 7:27 in the King James Version says “Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Proverbs 7:27 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Her house is the way to Sheol, descending to chambers of death. The Hebrew 'sheowl' (grave/death/underworld) and 'maweth' (death) describe final destination. Sexual sin's path descends progressively deeper into destruction. It's not lateral movement but downward spiral. Each step leads lower until arriving at death's chambers. The path seems pleasurable but terminates in destruction. Proverbs 5:5 similarly warns: 'Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sheol in Old Testament represents death, grave, underworld - place of departed dead. While theological understanding developed through Scripture, Proverbs uses Sheol to indicate death and destruction. Sexual sin's endpoint is comprehensive death - spiritual, relational, potentially physical. Sixteenth-century syphilis epidemics and modern STDs demonstrate literal death consequences. Spiritual and relational death remain constant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing sexual temptation as path to 'death' affect your evaluation of its appeal?
  2. What progressive descent into destruction have you witnessed from seemingly innocent first steps?
  3. What immediate exit from descending paths does wisdom require before reaching death's chambers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
דַּרְכֵ֣י1 of 7

“is the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

שְׁא֣וֹל2 of 7

“to hell”

H7585

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

בֵּיתָ֑הּ3 of 7

“Her house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יֹ֝רְד֗וֹת4 of 7

“going down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֶל5 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חַדְרֵי6 of 7

“to the chambers”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

מָֽוֶת׃7 of 7

“of death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

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 7:27 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 7:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 5:5Proverbs 9:18Proverbs 2:18-19Revelation 22:15Ecclesiastes 7:26

Test Your Knowledge

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

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