Sirach 9:8 - Turn away your eye from a comely woman, And gaze not on another’s beauty: By the beauty of a woman many have been led astray; And herewith love is kindled as a fire.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Sirach 9:8" mean?
Sirach 9:8 warns against lustful gazing, suggesting that looking at a beautiful woman (especially another man's wife) can lead to temptation, infidelity, and ultimately, destructive passions. Let's break it down:
"Turn away your eye from a comely woman, And gaze not on another’s beauty:" This is the core instruction. It urges the reader to avoid fixating on the attractiveness of a woman. "Comely" means attractive or pleasing in appearance. The verse specifically highlights not gazing intently or with lingering desire.
"By the beauty of a woman many have been led astray;" This provides the reason for the warning. It states that many men have been tempted or have lost their way due to being captivated by a woman's beauty. The phrase "led astray" suggests moral deviation or temptation.
"And herewith love is kindled as a fire." This illustrates the dangerous potential consequence. Gazing with lust can ignite powerful, uncontrolled desires, like a fire that quickly spreads and consumes. "Love" here doesn't refer to true, selfless love, but rather a passionate, potentially destructive infatuation. The idea of it being "kindled as a fire" stresses its rapid and potentially destructive nature.
In essence, the verse advises practicing self-control and avoiding situations that could lead to temptation, specifically regarding sexual desire. It highlights the potential dangers of lust and how it can lead to destructive behaviors and infidelity. The underlying message is about protecting oneself from sin and maintaining fidelity and integrity.
It's important to note the cultural context. Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus, is part of the Wisdom Literature of the Bible and often provides practical advice for righteous living within its historical context. The society in which it was written had different societal norms and expectations than modern society.
Sirach 9:8 - Turn away your eye from a comely woman, And gaze not on another’s beauty: By the beauty of a woman many have been led astray; And herewith love is kindled as a fire.
What does "Sirach 9:8" mean?
Sirach 9:8 warns against lustful gazing, suggesting that looking at a beautiful woman (especially another man's wife) can lead to temptation, infidelity, and ultimately, destructive passions. Let's break it down:
"Turn away your eye from a comely woman, And gaze not on another’s beauty:" This is the core instruction. It urges the reader to avoid fixating on the attractiveness of a woman. "Comely" means attractive or pleasing in appearance. The verse specifically highlights not gazing intently or with lingering desire.
"By the beauty of a woman many have been led astray;" This provides the reason for the warning. It states that many men have been tempted or have lost their way due to being captivated by a woman's beauty. The phrase "led astray" suggests moral deviation or temptation.
"And herewith love is kindled as a fire." This illustrates the dangerous potential consequence. Gazing with lust can ignite powerful, uncontrolled desires, like a fire that quickly spreads and consumes. "Love" here doesn't refer to true, selfless love, but rather a passionate, potentially destructive infatuation. The idea of it being "kindled as a fire" stresses its rapid and potentially destructive nature.
In essence, the verse advises practicing self-control and avoiding situations that could lead to temptation, specifically regarding sexual desire. It highlights the potential dangers of lust and how it can lead to destructive behaviors and infidelity. The underlying message is about protecting oneself from sin and maintaining fidelity and integrity.
It's important to note the cultural context. Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus, is part of the Wisdom Literature of the Bible and often provides practical advice for righteous living within its historical context. The society in which it was written had different societal norms and expectations than modern society.