Proverbs - 23:32

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32 In the end, it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Proverbs 23:32.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
But in the end, it will bite like a snake, and will spread abroad poison like a basilisk.
Its latter end, as a serpent it biteth, And as a basilisk it stingeth.
At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder.
In the end, its bite is like that of a snake, its wound like the wound of a poison-snake.
At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like a basilisk.
In the end, it bites like a serpent, and poisons like a viper.
but in the end, it will bite like a snake, and it will spread poison like a king of snakes.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

Adder - Said to be the Cerastes, or horned snake.

At the last it biteth like a serpent,.... Though it goes down sweetly, yet it leaves a sting behind it, intemperately drank; a nausea in the stomach, a stink in the breath, pains and giddiness in the head, weakness in the eyes, trembling in the members of the body, palsy, gout, and other distempers, very painful and grievous to be bore; and, what is worse, if the conscience is awakened, sharp and cutting reflections there; and, without true repentance, torments intolerable in the world to come;
and stingeth like an adder; or "spreads" (u), or separates and scatters; that is, its poison. So the Vulgate Latin version, "diffuseth poisons as a basilisk", or "cockatrice"; the Targum and Syriac version,
"as a serpent which flies;''
it signifies the same as before.
(u) "jecur diffindet", Schultens.

The acute miseries resulting from drunkenness contrasted with the temptations.

*More commentary available at chapter level.

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