Strange Woman
Culture & SocietyWhat 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
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Strange Woman. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Strange Woman in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Strange Woman clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Proverbs 2:16
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Strange Woman." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/strange-woman/