The conclusions in verses 26-27 are similar to the thoughts expressed in 2.18-19 and 5.5-6.

“For many a victim has she laid low”: This line is literally “for many are the wounded she has made fall.” The sense is that the loose woman has wounded and brought death to many people. For the whole verse Contemporary English Version says “Such a woman has caused the downfall and destruction of a lot of men.” See Good News Translation.

“Yea, all her slain are a mighty host”: “Yea” translates the common Hebrew connector, which here affirms what follows as do the words “truly” or “indeed.” “Slain” translates the common verb meaning to kill with ruthless violence. “Her slain” means the men she has killed. “A mighty host” refers to numerous or countless men.

The loose woman is seen here as a murderess. There is nothing in the text that suggests she sets out to destroy the young man she seduces.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .