Strange Woman
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The Hebrew term zar, meaning 'stranger' or 'foreigner', forms the basis for the phrase 'strange woman' found in Proverbs 2:16, where it functions as a technical literary label for a seductress or harlot who threatens social and covenantal stability.
What is the meaning of Strange Woman in the Bible?
The Hebrew term zar, meaning 'stranger' or 'foreigner', forms the basis for the phrase 'strange woman' found in Proverbs 2:16, where it functions as a technical literary label for a seductress or harlot who threatens social and covenantal stability.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this term clarifies that the 'strange woman' represents an external threat to community integrity rather than merely a personal moral failing, helping readers grasp the ancient Israelite concern with maintaining distinct social boundaries and covenantal fidelity.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Strange Woman in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Strange Woman clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.