Proverbs 5:20For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another?
The setting
Ancient Israel, ~950 BC. A father's urgent warning to his son about a specific temptation in Jerusalem, modern-day Israel.
The emotion here: urgent paternal concern mixed with disappointment
The original word
chabaq (חָבַק) — to embrace intimately, to clasp to oneself, sexual holding
Why it matters
Ancient Hebrew has multiple words for embrace — this one is specifically sexual
Read with care
What most readers miss in Proverbs 5:20
The question format shows this isn't just rules — it's loving concern from a father
Common misconceptionPeople think this is just about physical adultery, but it starts with emotional captivation — being 'captivated' happens in the heart before the bedroom.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Proverbs 5:20
Bible Genome reading
Proverbs 5:20 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Proverbs 5:20 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Solomon. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include temptation, faithfulness, warning. Notable phrases: why should you be captivated with an adulteress.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Proverbs 5:20 mean to you, today?
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