who abandons
The Hebrew root for "abandons" is "עזב" (azab), which conveys a sense of forsaking or leaving behind. In the context of Proverbs, this word often implies a deliberate choice to turn away from something valuable or sacred. The act of abandonment here is not merely physical but also spiritual and emotional, indicating a profound breach of trust and commitment. This highlights the gravity of forsaking one's responsibilities and the relational bonds that are meant to be enduring.

the partner of her youth
The phrase "partner of her youth" refers to a spouse, specifically the husband to whom a woman was married in her younger years. In ancient Israelite culture, marriage was a covenantal relationship, deeply rooted in mutual love, respect, and fidelity. The term "youth" emphasizes the long-standing nature of this relationship, suggesting that it was established during a time of innocence and hope. This phrase underscores the tragedy and betrayal involved in abandoning such a foundational relationship, which was intended to last a lifetime.

and forgets
The Hebrew word for "forgets" is "שכח" (shakach), which implies more than a mere lapse in memory. It suggests a willful neglect or disregard. In the biblical context, forgetting often involves a failure to remember one's obligations or the divine laws. This forgetfulness is not passive but an active choice to ignore or dismiss what should be held sacred and central to one's life.

the covenant of her God
The term "covenant" (ברית, berit) is a significant biblical concept, denoting a solemn agreement or promise, often initiated by God with His people. In this context, it refers to the divine laws and commitments that govern moral and spiritual conduct. The "covenant of her God" implies a personal and communal relationship with God, characterized by faithfulness and obedience. Forgetting this covenant indicates a spiritual decline and a turning away from the divine principles that should guide one's life. This phrase serves as a warning against the dangers of spiritual infidelity and the consequences of neglecting one's relationship with God.

(17) The guide of her youth.--Or rather, friend with whom she has lived in intimacy: that is, the husband of her youth; in other words, her first love. Jeremiah uses the same phrase (Proverbs 3:4). (Comp. "wife of thy youth," Proverbs 5:18; Malachi 2:14.)

Forgetteth the covenant of her God--i.e., the marriage covenant, made in the presence of God. (Comp. "wife of thy covenant," Mal. l.c.)

Verse 17. - The guide of her youth (נְעוּרֶיהָ אַלּוּפ, alluph n'ureyah); properly, the associate or companion of her youth. The Hebrew, אָלּוּפ (alluph), being derived from the root אָלַפ, (alaph), "to accustom one's self to," or "to be accustomed to" or "familiar with" anyone. The word is rendered as "friend" in Proverbs 17:9; Proverbs 16:28; Micah 7:5. The idea of guidance, which is adopted in the Authorized Version, and appears also in the Vulgate dux. and Targum ducatus, is a secondary idea, and is derived probably from the relation in which the husband stands to his wife. Various interpretations have been given to the expression. It occurs again in Jeremiah 3:4, where Jehovah applies it to himself, and says, through his prophet, to the religiously adulterous Judah, "Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My Father, thou art the Guide of my youth (אַלּוּפ נְעֻרי, alluph n'ura)?" It has also been understood as referring to the woman's parents, her father and mother, who were her natural guardians. But the context seems to require that it should be taken as designating her husband. It will then be the correlative of "the wife of thy youth" of Malachi 2:14. The covenant of her God; i.e. the marriage covenant, called "the covenant of her God," because entered into in his presence. The forsaking of the guide of her youth is essentially bound up with a forgetfulness of the solemn covenant which she had entered into in the presence of God. No specific mention is made in the Pentateuch of any religious ceremony at marriage; yet we may infer, from Malachi 2:14, 15, where God is spoken of as "a Witness" between the husband and "the wife of his youth," "the wife of thy covenant," that the marriage contract was solemnized with sacred rites. The Proverbs thus give a high and sacred character to marriage, and so carry on the original idea of the institution which, under the gospel dispensation, developed late the principle of the indissolubility of the marriage tie. It is no objection to this view that the monogamic principle was infringed, and polygamy countenanced. The reason of this latter departure is given in Deuteronomy 22:28 and Exodus 22:16. The morality of the Proverbs always represents monogamy as the rule, it deprecates illicit intercourse, and discountenances divorce. It is in entire accordance with the seventh commandment. The woman who commits adultery offends, not only against her husband, but against her God.

Parallel Commentaries ...


who abandons
הַ֭עֹזֶבֶת (ha·‘ō·ze·ḇeṯ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit

the partner
אַלּ֣וּף (’al·lūp̄)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 441: Familiar, a friend, gentle, a bullock, a chieftain

of her youth
נְעוּרֶ֑יהָ (nə·‘ū·re·hā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5271: Youth, the state, the persons

and forgets
שָׁכֵֽחָה׃ (šā·ḵê·ḥāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7911: To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention

the covenant
בְּרִ֖ית (bə·rîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1285: A covenant

of her God.
אֱלֹהֶ֣יהָ (’ĕ·lō·he·hā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 2:17 Who forsakes the friend of her youth (Prov. Pro Pr)