Proverbs 7:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The consequence comes swiftly: pain, loss, and perhaps death—though the seduced man fails to see it coming.
The Context of Proverbs 7:23
The father shows that the cost is not mere embarrassment but real damage to life and soul.
What Does Proverbs 7:23 Mean?
A dart through the liver is a fatal wound, sudden and devastating. The figure of the bird hastening toward a snare it cannot see illustrates the tragedy: the victim moves eagerly toward the very mechanism of his destruction. Speed and blindness combine to ensure his ruin.
The phrase knoweth not that it is for his life might mean 'knows not it is meant to kill him' or 'does not realize it will cost him his life.' Either way, the ignorance is complete. He does not see the danger until he is in its grip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 7:23
What does Proverbs 7:23 mean?
The consequence comes swiftly: pain, loss, and perhaps death—though the seduced man fails to see it coming.
What is the context of Proverbs 7:23?
The father shows that the cost is not mere embarrassment but real damage to life and soul.