Proverbs 6:33 - Exposition

A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. Two other things more immediate await the adulterer—personal chastisement and loss of reputation. It seems clear that "a wound" (Hebrew, negav , "a stroke" or "blow"), used here in the singular, collectively refers to the corporal punishment, which the outraged husband will inflict upon the adulterer (Delitzsch, Zockler. Lapide). (For the word, see Deuteronomy 17:8 ; Deuteronomy 21:5 .) It may also have reference to the punishment inflicted by the Law. In the LXX . the idea is expressed by ὁδύνας , i.e. "pains," and so gives colour to Lapide's explanation of "afflictions of every kind" The Vulgate gives a moral turn to the meaning, and coordinates the word with "dishonour:" Turpitudinem et ignominiam congregat sibi, " Dishonour is the ignominious treatment he will receive on all hands." The second part of the verse states that a brand of disgrace will be attached to his name which will be perpetual, not confined to this life only, but extending beyond it, so that men will never recall it but with this stigma (Patrick, Mercerus). On shall be … wiped away (Hebrew, timmakeh, the niph. future of makhah, "to wipe off, or away," and in hiph. "to be blotted out," equivalent to the Latin delere ) , see Deuteronomy 25:6 ; Ezekiel 6:6 ; 21:17 . The LXX . renders ἐξαλειφθήσεται , and adds, εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα , "forever." The statements of the verse are illustrated by Horace, 'Satires,' lib. 1.2, 37, who describes the dangers and mishaps which befall the adulterer and fornicator.

" Hic se praecipitem tecto dedit; ille flagellis

Ad mortem caesus: fugiens hic decidit acrem

Praedonum in turbam: dedit hic pro corpore nnmmos ."