Translation commentary on Proverbs 7:5

“To preserve you from the loose woman”: For “loose woman” see 2.16. This verse states the aim and purpose of verses 1-4. In some languages this verse is better handled as a new sentence. One translation says, “These things [wisdom and insight] will keep you far away from. . .”; another begins, “If the wife of another man wants to entice you and sleep with you, then wisdom will fence you in and. . ..”

“From the adventuress with her smooth words”: See 2.16.

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 .

complete verse (Proverbs 7:5)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 7:5:

  • Kupsabiny: “Those words will keep/guard you so you can stay away from adultery, and you stay away from a wandering woman with words that attract people.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “They will keep you far away
    from adulterous and smooth-mouthed women.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “For this will-keep- you (sing.)- away from a bad woman who is-enticing/appealing when (she) speaks/talks.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “It is they who will protect you (sing.) from the consistently-tempting words of a woman who commits-adultery (lit. does-with-men).” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 7:5

7:5

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

5a that they may keep you from the adulteress,

5b
from the stranger with seductive words.

There is an ellipsis in 7:5b. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply the missing words from 7:5a. For example:

5b
⌊that they may keep you⌋ from the stranger with seductive words.

This verse has “keep” instead of “save.” Otherwise, it is identical to 2:16. See the notes on that verse for the meanings of the identical words. Notice, however, that the preceding context is different and that the word “also” is not implied here in 7:5.

7:5a

that they may keep you: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “to guard you.” It expresses the aim or purpose of the father’s advice in 7:1–4. More specifically, it expresses the purpose of the parallel commands in 7:4. The purpose relationship may be expressed explicitly. For example:

in order to guard yourself (God’s Word)

In other languages, it may be more natural to start this verse with a new sentence. For example:

They will keep you away (Good News Translation)
-or-
Wisdom and understanding will keep you away (New Century Version)

Express this purpose relationship in a natural way in your language.

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