He will not be appeased by any ransomThis phrase highlights the depth of anger and the sense of betrayal felt by a wronged husband, as described in the context of
Proverbs 6, which warns against adultery. In ancient Israelite society, adultery was not only a personal betrayal but also a violation of the covenantal relationship, reflecting the seriousness of sin against God. The concept of a ransom, often used in the Old Testament to describe a payment for redemption or release (
Exodus 21:30), underscores that some offenses are beyond monetary compensation. This mirrors the idea that certain spiritual debts cannot be settled by human means, pointing to the need for divine intervention and forgiveness.
or persuaded by lavish gifts
The mention of "lavish gifts" suggests attempts to placate or bribe, which were common practices in ancient Near Eastern cultures to resolve disputes or gain favor. However, the text emphasizes that material wealth cannot mend the deep emotional and relational damage caused by adultery. This reflects the biblical theme that true reconciliation and forgiveness require more than external gestures; they demand genuine repentance and transformation of the heart. The inability of gifts to persuade also parallels the biblical teaching that God desires obedience and a contrite heart over sacrifices (1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 51:16-17). This phrase can be seen as a type pointing to Christ, who offers the ultimate gift of reconciliation through His sacrifice, which cannot be matched by any human offering.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The AdultererThis verse is part of a passage warning against adultery. The adulterer is the one who has committed the sin and is the subject of the consequences described.
2.
The Wronged HusbandThe verse implies the presence of a wronged husband who is unwilling to accept any form of compensation for the betrayal he has suffered.
3.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon is known for his wisdom and is providing guidance on moral and ethical living.
4.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of this passage is ancient Israel, where the law and social norms were deeply intertwined with religious teachings.
5.
The Act of AdulteryThe event in focus is the act of adultery, which is considered a grave sin with severe social and personal repercussions.
Teaching Points
The Irreparable Damage of AdulteryAdultery causes deep emotional and relational harm that cannot be easily mended with material compensation.
The Value of FaithfulnessFaithfulness in marriage is a reflection of our faithfulness to God. Upholding this value is crucial for a healthy spiritual and relational life.
The Limits of Material CompensationNot all wrongs can be righted with money or gifts. True repentance and restoration require more than material offerings.
The Importance of Wisdom and DiscernmentSolomon's wisdom teaches us to discern the consequences of our actions and to avoid paths that lead to destruction.
Guarding the HeartProtecting one's heart from lust and temptation is essential to maintaining purity and honoring God in relationships.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 6:35?
2. How does Proverbs 6:35 warn against the consequences of adultery and jealousy?
3. What does "no compensation" in Proverbs 6:35 reveal about the nature of sin?
4. How can understanding Proverbs 6:35 guide us in maintaining marital fidelity?
5. Which other scriptures emphasize the dangers of adultery and its consequences?
6. How can we apply Proverbs 6:35 to promote healthy relationships in our community?
7. What does Proverbs 6:35 reveal about the nature of forgiveness and justice?
8. How does Proverbs 6:35 challenge our understanding of divine retribution?
9. Why is there no compensation accepted in Proverbs 6:35?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 6?
11. What does the Bible say about godly parenting?
12. What does the Bible say about poverty and wealth?
13. Why does the Bible allow killing in war but forbid murder in the Ten Commandments?
14. What does the Bible say about having children?What Does Proverbs 6:35 Mean
He will not be appeased by any ransom• In the immediate context (Proverbs 6:32–34), Solomon warns that adultery provokes a husband’s “furious jealousy” (v. 34). That outrage cannot be settled with compensation.
• This mirrors Exodus 21:30, where a monetary “ransom” might satisfy in some civil matters; here it will not. The offense attacks the covenant of marriage (Exodus 20:14), not merely property.
• Numbers 35:31 forbids a ransom for murder; Solomon uses similar absolutism for adultery, underscoring how seriously God views violating the marriage bond.
• Spiritually, no amount of good works or religious activity can offset willful sin (Hebrews 10:26). Only genuine repentance and God’s own provision of forgiveness through Christ satisfy divine justice (Isaiah 55:7; 1 John 1:9).
or persuaded by lavish gifts• “Lavish gifts” picture escalating attempts to buy off the husband’s wrath. Proverbs 17:23 shows bribery distorts justice, and Proverbs 21:14 notes gifts can calm anger—yet Solomon insists this sin is an exception.
• Song of Songs 8:7 declares, “If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.” True love—and righteous jealousy—cannot be purchased.
• The lesson widens: God Himself will not overlook unrepentant sin because of generous offerings (1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 1:13–17). He desires obedience and covenant fidelity over outward tokens.
• For believers, 1 Corinthians 6:18 urges, “Flee from sexual immorality,” stressing prevention rather than damage control. Once trust is broken, repairs are costly and uncertain.
summaryProverbs 6:35 teaches that adultery unleashes a righteous, unrelenting anger no payment can soothe. Money and gifts—normally able to mend lesser offenses—are powerless here because the sin strikes at a covenant designed by God. The verse warns against underestimating the gravity of sexual sin and reminds us that neither human wealth nor outward religion can replace wholehearted faithfulness and repentance.
Verse 35. -
He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts. No recompense or atonement, nor any gifts however great, will buy him off. These are supposed to be offered by the adulterer to the enraged husband, who, however, will never rest till he effects the utter ruin of his injurer. The literal rendering of the first hemistich is, "He will not accept the face of any ransom." The phrase
nasa phanim, is equivalent to the Greek
πρόσωπον λαμβάνειν, and signifies "to give a favourable reception to the outward expression of any one." The figure is taken from lifting up the face of a suppliant, the radical meaning of the verb
nasa being "to take up," "to lift up." The
ransom; Hebrew,
kopher (the word usually applied to designate the price of redemption, mulct, or line demanded for expiation of a crime; see
Exodus 21:30;
Exodus 30:12;
Numbers 35:31, 32); here the bribe offered by the adulterer to be let off will be altogether rejected, however alluring, the word
p'ney, "face," carrying with it the idea of something recommendatory. For the expression,
nasa phanim, cf.
Genesis 19:21;
Genesis 22:21;
Job 13:10;
Job 13:8; and
Malachi 1:8. The LXX. rendering is,
Οὐκ ἀνταλλάξεται οὐδενὸς λύτρου τὴν ἔχθραν, "He will not commute for any redemption his enmity."
Neither will he rest content; literally,
and he will not be willing; Hebrew,
v'lo-yoveh; LXX.,
οὐδὲ μὴ διαληθῇ, "nor may it,
i.e. his enmity, be dissolved or weakened." (On the verb
avah, "to consent to," or "to be willing," see
Proverbs 1:10.) Many gifts, each increasing in value, may be offered, but he will not be willing to forego his right of revenge.
Though thou givest many gifts. It is noticeable that the address, which has been adapted to the third person, here becomes personal, and so takes up the form originally employed in vers. 20-25. A hypothetical case has been imagined in vers. 26-35, but still with the thought underlying it that it applies to the person addressed. "Though
thou givest many gifts," or more literally, "though thou multipliest the gift," brings the matter homo to the young man.
Gifts; Hebrew,
shokad, "the gift," is the word usually employed to designate the bribe offered to corrupt a judge (see
Exodus 23:8;
Deuteronomy 10:17;
Deuteronomy 16:19;
Deuteronomy 27:25;
1 Samuel 8:3). Here it refers to the money offered to free from punishment. The Vulgate gives the idea that these gifts or bribes are offered by a third party on behalf of the adulterer:
Nec acquiescet cujusquam precibus, nec suscipiet pro redemptione dona plurima. On these two last verses Lange remarks, "Just as little as the adulterer, taken in his adultery, is left unpunished by the injured husband, so little, yea, even less, wilt the spiritual adulterer remain unpunished of the Lord (
1 Corinthians 3:17)."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He will notלֹא־ (lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, nobe appeasedיִ֭שָּׂא (yiś·śā)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, takeby anyכָל־ (ḵāl)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, everyransom,כֹּ֑פֶר (kō·p̄er)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3724: A cover, a village, bitumen, the henna plant, a redemption-price[or]וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, nopersuadedיֹ֝אבֶ֗ה (yō·ḇeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 14: To breathe after, to be acquiescentby lavishתַרְבֶּה־ (ṯar·beh-)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or greatgifts.שֹֽׁחַד׃ (šō·ḥaḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7810: A present, bribe
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 6:35 He won't regard any ransom neither will (Prov. Pro Pr) 
