Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
You will be like someone trying to sleep in the middle of the ocean, or like someone lying down on top of a ship's mast.
This verse describes how someone under the influence of alcohol feels completely unstable and out of control, like they're swaying dangerously in an impossible place.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context of ancient Israel, Proverbs 23:34 is part of a wisdom passage in the book attributed to King Solomon, which warns about the dangers of excessive drinking and its consequences. The verse uses vivid metaphors drawn from seafaring experiences common in the ancient Near East, such as lying in the midst of the sea or on a ship's mast, to illustrate the instability and peril of intoxication. This reflects the broader cultural emphasis in wisdom literature on prudent living to avoid folly and harm.
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