Proverbs 5:19 - A loving doe and a graceful deer— let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love.
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What does "Proverbs 5:19" mean?
Proverbs 5:19, "A loving doe and a graceful deer— let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love," is part of a larger section (Proverbs 5:1-23) warning against adultery and encouraging fidelity within marriage. Let's break down the verse:
"A loving doe and a graceful deer": This is a poetic comparison of a wife to a beautiful and graceful animal. Does and deer were often symbols of beauty, gentleness, and grace in ancient Near Eastern literature. The phrase emphasizes the desirability and loveliness of one's own wife.
"Let her breasts satisfy you at all times": This is often the most difficult part of the verse for modern readers. It's important to remember the cultural context. It is not primarily about sexual objectification, but about complete marital intimacy and sexual fulfillment within marriage. It suggests that the husband should find ongoing satisfaction and delight in the physical and emotional intimacy with his wife. The idea is that marital love and physical affection are intended to be mutually fulfilling and satisfying, preventing the temptation to seek such fulfillment outside of marriage.
"Be captivated always with her love": This emphasizes the importance of emotional connection and commitment within marriage. "Captivated" suggests being completely engrossed and enchanted by her love. It's not just about physical attraction, but about a deep, abiding, and passionate love that keeps the husband devoted to his wife. It calls for a continuous and deliberate choice to remain in love with one's spouse.
In essence, the verse:
Celebrates marital intimacy: It's a positive view of sexual expression within the bounds of marriage.
Encourages faithfulness: By finding complete satisfaction within the marital relationship, the husband is less likely to be tempted by adultery.
Highlights the importance of both physical and emotional connection: It emphasizes the need for ongoing love, passion, and emotional intimacy.
Uses vivid imagery to convey the importance of a wife's beauty, grace, and love in sustaining a strong marriage.
Important Considerations:
Cultural Context: We need to interpret this verse within its ancient Near Eastern context. Our modern sensibilities might find some of the language unusual, but the underlying message is about marital fidelity and the importance of nurturing a loving, intimate relationship.
Mutual Intimacy: While the verse is addressed to the husband, the principle of mutual satisfaction and captivation applies to both partners in a marriage.
Not a Literal Command: It's not a literal command about a particular act, but a poetic expression emphasizing the importance of finding complete fulfillment and delight in one's spouse.
In conclusion, Proverbs 5:19 is a call to cherish and find joy in the marital relationship, both physically and emotionally. It's a reminder that a healthy marriage involves ongoing attraction, commitment, and mutual satisfaction.
Proverbs 5:19 - A loving doe and a graceful deer— let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love.
What does "Proverbs 5:19" mean?
Proverbs 5:19, "A loving doe and a graceful deer— let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love," is part of a larger section (Proverbs 5:1-23) warning against adultery and encouraging fidelity within marriage. Let's break down the verse:
"A loving doe and a graceful deer": This is a poetic comparison of a wife to a beautiful and graceful animal. Does and deer were often symbols of beauty, gentleness, and grace in ancient Near Eastern literature. The phrase emphasizes the desirability and loveliness of one's own wife.
"Let her breasts satisfy you at all times": This is often the most difficult part of the verse for modern readers. It's important to remember the cultural context. It is not primarily about sexual objectification, but about complete marital intimacy and sexual fulfillment within marriage. It suggests that the husband should find ongoing satisfaction and delight in the physical and emotional intimacy with his wife. The idea is that marital love and physical affection are intended to be mutually fulfilling and satisfying, preventing the temptation to seek such fulfillment outside of marriage.
"Be captivated always with her love": This emphasizes the importance of emotional connection and commitment within marriage. "Captivated" suggests being completely engrossed and enchanted by her love. It's not just about physical attraction, but about a deep, abiding, and passionate love that keeps the husband devoted to his wife. It calls for a continuous and deliberate choice to remain in love with one's spouse.
In essence, the verse:
Celebrates marital intimacy: It's a positive view of sexual expression within the bounds of marriage.
Encourages faithfulness: By finding complete satisfaction within the marital relationship, the husband is less likely to be tempted by adultery.
Highlights the importance of both physical and emotional connection: It emphasizes the need for ongoing love, passion, and emotional intimacy.
Uses vivid imagery to convey the importance of a wife's beauty, grace, and love in sustaining a strong marriage.
Important Considerations:
Cultural Context: We need to interpret this verse within its ancient Near Eastern context. Our modern sensibilities might find some of the language unusual, but the underlying message is about marital fidelity and the importance of nurturing a loving, intimate relationship.
Mutual Intimacy: While the verse is addressed to the husband, the principle of mutual satisfaction and captivation applies to both partners in a marriage.
Not a Literal Command: It's not a literal command about a particular act, but a poetic expression emphasizing the importance of finding complete fulfillment and delight in one's spouse.
In conclusion, Proverbs 5:19 is a call to cherish and find joy in the marital relationship, both physically and emotionally. It's a reminder that a healthy marriage involves ongoing attraction, commitment, and mutual satisfaction.