Proverbs 7:12

12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.)

Proverbs 7:12 in Other Translations

12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

12 now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait.

12 She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner.

12 Walking the streets, loitering in the mall, hanging out at every corner in town.

12 Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner.

Proverbs 7:12 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 7:12

Now [is she] without
The word for whore is sometimes rendered in the Targum ^F9 one that goes abroad, or without her house; sitting or standing at the door of it, in an idle posture, and in order to invite her lovers in; and if she can get none this way, or quickly, grows impatient: she is now in the streets;
takes her walks abroad in the streets of the city, to see who she can light of, to pick up and bring home; and lieth in wait at every corner;
of the street, where more ways meet, sometimes at one corner, and sometimes at another, that she may take all that comes; sometimes she is "without" in the fields, and in the country, to see what she can meet with there; and sometimes in the "streets" of the city, and in the populous places of it, in the markets, and courts, and in every private corner, trying all ways to gain lovers, and satisfy her lust ^F11: all which may represent the diligence and industry, art and cunning, of the Romish emissaries to gain proselytes to their idolatrous worship, who everywhere lie in wait to deceive.

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 Targ. Onk. in Gen. xxxiv. 31.
F11 "Mille modi veneris", Ovid de Arte Amandi, l. 3. prope finem.

Proverbs 7:12 In-Context

10 Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.

11 (She is unruly and defiant, her feet never stay at home;

12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.)

13 She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:

14 “Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 8:1-36; Proverbs 23:26-28