Proverbs 23:27 Meaning and Explanation
“For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Sexual immorality is a trap—deep and inescapable.
The Context of Proverbs 23:27
Warning: sexual immorality traps and destroys.
What Does Proverbs 23:27 Mean?
The whore and the strange woman (the adulteress) represent seduction away from covenant relationship and righteous living. A ditch is a hole from which one cannot easily escape; a pit narrows and traps the one who falls in. The imagery conveys that illicit sexual involvement appears inviting but becomes a prison.
Once drawn in, the person finds himself caught—unable to leave without shame, loss, and spiritual harm. The depth and narrowness suggest that the person cannot see his way out or find solid footing. Seduction seems free but becomes bondage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 23:27
What does Proverbs 23:27 mean?
Sexual immorality is a trap—deep and inescapable.
What is the context of Proverbs 23:27?
Warning: sexual immorality traps and destroys.